REDLANDS, CA – A 32-year-old California man has been charged with murder and attempted murder after authorities say he shot and killed his half brother, then turned on gas burners in an apparent attempt to harm two sleeping children.
Zackary Aaron Brodowski was arrested at his Calimesa home following the Tuesday morning shooting that claimed the life of Aaron Richard Rivera, 36, at a Redlands apartment complex.
Police responded to a shots-fired call and discovered Rivera dead from multiple gunshot wounds inside his apartment. Surveillance footage captured Brodowski fleeing the scene in a silver 2008 Ford Focus, according to the Redlands Police Department.
Investigators allege that after shooting his half brother, Brodowski left gas burners open on the stove while Rivera’s two children remained asleep in the residence, in what authorities described as a deliberate attempt to cause further harm.
Detectives tracked Brodowski to his home, where they recovered a firearm believed to be the murder weapon along with clothing that matched what the suspect was seen wearing in the surveillance video.
The nature of the dispute between the half brothers has not been disclosed by authorities. Investigators have not released details about what led to the deadly confrontation.
Brodowski is being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center. He faces charges of murder and attempted murder.
The children were not physically harmed in the incident.
