Missing Fontana man found dead in a burning car near park in Rialto (SoCal)

Inland Valley daily bulletin ^ | 7-27-2013 | Doug Saunders

[Bullish]

RIALTO -- The body of a Fontana man, who police said was assaulted and kidnapped in front of his home, was discovered in a burning car Friday night near a Rialto park, less than six miles from his home, police officials said.

Alejandro Padilla was reported missing after neighbors heard the man screaming during the assault and kidnapping Friday morning, police said.

After patrolling the area, officers found what they believe to be a crime scene in front of Padilla's Fontana home in the 6800 block of Beechcraft Avenue, said police Sgt. Tom Yarrington.

"There were serious signs of a struggle in front of the home," Yarrington said.

Fontana police worked through the night trying to get a break on this case.

"We're looking at every aspect of this case," said police Lt. William Megenney. "The thing that makes this case difficult is Mr. Padilla, from our perspective, is a stand up guy."

Police have checked into Padilla's character and have found no inconsistencies at all, Megenney added.

"There is nothing in Mr. Padilla's life that would indicate he was involved in anything suspicious," Yarrington added.

Coroners officials said Padilla was found in his black Nissan Versa around 10 p.m. Friday after the Rialto Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire in the 1000 block of W. Etiwanda Street.

His body was discovered after firefighters extinguished the fire.

[Bullish]

I'm posting this because this was a good friend of my brother, he was a riding buddy (Harlys).

I have met him once or twice.

He was a super nice guy who as far as my brother knows was not involved in gangs or drugs. He was a family man with two kids. Kidnapped from his driveway and killed for no apparent reason. This is just really weird.

We're not going to speculate and we'll let the police do their investigation. His daughter did have an ex boyfriend who has a criminal past who Al wouldn't allow around the house, but according to the police his alibi is checking out.

Alejandro Padilla, 40 of Fontana, was found dead after firefighters
put out a car fire near a Rialto park. He was found less than six miles from his home.

Remains of a burned-out car are seen Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Flores Park in Rialto.
The body of missing Fontana man Alejandro Padilla was found inside the burning car Friday night.

[Eagles6]

Just...Dang! Prayers for him and his family.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

So sorry to hear this horrible news and your brother’s loss.

[null and void]

Damn. If the police can raid the wrong house, I suppose gang-bangers can too.

[Nifster]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend.

Mistaken identity? The daughter’s ex trying to get even? Out of control drug gangs thinking they had some one else?

I hope this gets solved so you and the family can have answers.

[Repeal The 17th]

(SpCal)?
I know what the “Cal” part means, but what is the “Sp” part?

[Jonty30]

I know the Mexican gangs have kidnapped people for ransom...

[calex59]

Mistaken identity? The daughter’s ex trying to get even? Out of control drug gangs thinking they had some one else?

I have another theory, black, racist, a**hats who wanted to kill an Hispanic to revenge Trayvon.

[cardinal4]

Sorry to hear this. Mistaken ID, maybe?

[Sarah Barracuda]

Such a sad story, heard about it today on our local news..and the first thing that came to mind was “What if this man had a gun to defend himself” he could have been saved..kidnapped from right in front of his own home..so sad, my condolences go out to his family

[Nifster]

can’t argue with that one either...

[man_in_tx]

I used to live in the general area some time ago. Some pretty tough folks reside in those parts, as I recall — especially in Fontana.

[Trod Upon]

Yes, I think the news media would have described him as a “White Hispanic” had he been able to defend himself.

[Bullish]

Yeah, that was a typo for sure. should have been SOCal, but then you knew that right?

[Bullish]

South Fontana has always been just one giant Truck stop. Real low-lifes and meth heads abound.

[man_in_tx]

South Fontana has always been just one giant Truck stop. Real low-lifes and meth heads abound.

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Well said!

[AllAmericanGirl44]

Just heartbreaking. So very sorry for his family and yours.

Saying prayers the truth is revealed.

[n fontana]

That might be true, but this happened in a residential neighborhood in N Fontana. This was sadly more than likely a targetted attack.

[n fontana]

Pritty ignorant to try to tie this to what happened to Travon Martin. Sounds like the poor man was ambushed by someone who was laying in wait for him to come out of his house. Someone who knew his schedule, these neighborhoods are pritty desolate at 5 am. More than likely didnt even know what hit him.

[man_in_tx]

That might be true, but this happened in a residential neighborhood in N Fontana. This was sadly more than likely a targetted attack.

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Understand what you are saying.