MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A 51-year-old man is in custody after deputies say he shot and killed his estranged wife Sunday morning outside the Denny’s off Avenue 18 and a half and Golden State Boulevard.
The victim’s family is identifying her by her maiden name, Brittney Harris. She was 38 years old and a mother of four.
In photos sent to Action News, Brittney Harris posed with a bouquet of flowers after graduating from Merced College’s nurse assistant program.
“Upon arrival, they did determine that this was a domestic violence-related situation in which the couple were eating in a local restaurant nearby here,” says Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue. “They exited the restaurant, and then the man shot the woman multiple times before he fled the area.”
The sheriff confirmed 51-year-old David Moreno fled the scene in a white Toyota RAV4, captured in bystander video.
“Our deputies arrived very quickly,” Pogue said. “They provided life-saving measures until EMS arrived. They were able to transport her to a local hospital, but unfortunately, she was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.”
Within four hours, Madera County deputies, with help from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and air resources, located Moreno on Highway 41 in that same RAV4.
Moreno was arrested at 3:45 pm Sunday near Highway 41 and Manning Avenue, 36 miles from the Denny’s.
Brittney Harris’ children said their mom made sure everyone around her was okay, even when she wasn’t. They described her as a strong, independent woman who put others first.
If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
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