Inset, left to right: Brittney Harris immediately after graduating from Merced College's nurse assistant program (KFSN) and David Moreno (Madera County Sheriff's Office). Background: Authorities at the Denny's where Moreno allegedly killed Harris (KFSN).
A 51-year-old man in California is accused of killing his estranged wife, allegedly shooting her just outside a local Denny's after the two had eaten inside the restaurant before he fled the scene in a white Toyota RAV4.
Deputies took David Moreno into custody over the weekend for his alleged role in the slaying of 38-year-old Brittney Harris, authorities announced.
According to a news release from the Madera County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the area of Avenue 18½ and Golden State Boulevard at about 11:30 a.m. regarding multiple reports of a woman being shot.
Upon arriving, first responders found a woman, later identified as Harris, inside a car in the Denny's parking lot. She was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Deputies began lifesaving measures before emergency medical personnel took over and transported her to a local hospital for treatment, where she was pronounced dead.
"[Investigators] did determine that this was a domestic violence-related situation in which the couple were eating in a local restaurant nearby here," the release states. "They exited the restaurant, and then the man shot the woman multiple times before he fled the area."
The victim's family identified her as Brittney Harris to Fresno, California, ABC affiliate KFSN. Harris — reportedly the victim's maiden name — had recently graduated from Merced College's nurse assistant program.
A bystander reportedly filmed Moreno's vehicle as it left the area and provided the footage to investigators.
Detectives checking on a possible address spotted Moreno in the same RAV4 leaving the area. Deputies, coordinating with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, conducted a traffic stop and took Moreno into custody about four hours after the shooting. The arrest took place near Highway 41 and Manning Avenue, about 36 miles from the Denny's.
Moreno had not been formally charged in Harris' death as of Monday afternoon, records show.