Danny Figueroa
Southern California Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Southern California, United States
TIME PERIOD
May 13 – June 17, 1986
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Danny Figueroa, known as "The Backwoods Sniper," committed a series of murders in Southern California between May 13 and June 17, 1986, resulting in the deaths of three individuals: Reynold Johnson, Raymond Webber, and a third victim, Robert Jimenez. Figueroa, a self-described survivalist, targeted his victims in rural areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, using a rifle to carry out the attacks. He was apprehended on June 28, 1986, following an investigation that linked him to the murders through physical evidence, including a backpack containing a biblical quote found near the scene of one of the crimes. In 1987, Figueroa pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and was sentenced to 66 years to life in prison, where he remained until his death on December 20, 1998.
Investigators and the public speculate that Danny Figueroa's survivalist mentality and affinity for the outdoors played a significant role in his choice of victims and murder locations, as he often targeted individuals in remote areas. There are theories suggesting that his psychological state, described as having the mental capacity of a child, may have influenced his behavior and interactions with others. Some believe that his use of military clothing and hunting gear was not only a reflection of his interests but also an integral part of his identity as a killer.
The Backwoods Sniper: The Chilling Story of Danny Figueroa
Early Life
Born on September 24, 1959, in Moreno Valley, California, Danny Figueroa seemed destined for a life far removed from the ordinary. His childhood was steeped in an unusual affinity for the outdoors, a preference that would later define his grim legacy. As a young adult, he was often described as having the mental state of a child, choosing the company of those much younger than himself. This eccentricity, however, was never of a sexual nature. Instead, he reveled in wearing military clothing, hunting in the woods, and sleeping under the stars. These peculiar habits foreshadowed a dark path that lay ahead.
The Murders
The peaceful communities of Riverside and San Bernardino counties were shattered in the spring of 1986 when Danny Figueroa embarked on a deadly rampage. On May 13, 1986, the calm of Aguanga was pierced by gunfire. Reynold Johnson, 53, was performing yard work outside his home when Figueroa, rifle in hand, took his life with a single, cold-blooded shot.
The very next evening, Thomas Breedlove found himself face-to-face with the mysterious figure. Figueroa, lurking around Breedlove's property, brandished his rifle menacingly. Thomas' son, David, witnessed the confrontation and, armed with his own gun, fired at Figueroa, forcing him to retreat into the shadows.
The Breedloves were not the only ones to encounter Figueroa's wrath. On May 29, Raymond Webber, a 19-year-old simply heading to work, crossed paths with Figueroa. Webber happened to be behind Figueroa in his pickup truck during a 25-mile trek up Palomar Mountain. Fearing he was being pursued, Figueroa shot Webber in the head with his shotgun, killing him instantly. The discovery of rented equipment in Webber's truck tragically confirmed his harmless intentions.
June 8 saw Robert Jimenez in Indio facing a similar threat. While in his backyard, Jimenez spotted a man clad in green military attire with a rifle. The man, Figueroa, smiled before raising his weapon. Jimenez sought refuge behind bushes as Figueroa began firing, striking him twice. Despite his injuries, Jimenez managed to escape to a neighbor's home. Figueroa fled after a brief but terrifying standoff.
The final victim in this bloody trail was Mary Rose Lengerich, 72, who was last seen walking her dog along San Timoteo Canyon Road in Redlands on June 17. She, too, crossed paths with Figueroa, who shot her dead before disappearing into the wilderness. Witnesses later reported seeing a man fitting Figueroa's description in the area around the time of the murder.
The Search
The string of murders sent shockwaves through Southern California, inciting fear and paranoia. Residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties were on edge, aware that a man dubbed "The Backwoods Sniper" was on the loose. Both Thomas Breedlove and Robert Jimenez recounted their terrifying encounters with a man in military garb carrying a rifle, suspecting he was the killer. Their suspicions were bolstered by other witnesses who described the same ominous figure.
Authorities mounted an exhaustive search, deploying helicopters and search dogs to comb the area for the elusive sniper. Amidst growing panic, Danny Figueroa emerged as a prime suspect, particularly in the killing of Mary Rose Lengerich. Witnesses who had seen the killer positively identified Figueroa from photographs. After an intense 12-day manhunt, law enforcement finally apprehended Figueroa, still clad in his military uniform, hiding beneath a flood-control channel. He surrendered without resistance.
Court Proceedings
Following his arrest, Danny Figueroa was charged with attempted murder for the shooting of Robert Jimenez and three counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. He confessed responsibility for the killings but claimed the murder of Raymond Webber was an act of self-defense, citing the teenager's prolonged pursuit as justification.
To evade the death penalty, Figueroa opted to plead guilty to all charges. In 1987, he received a sentence of 66 years to life in prison. His life behind bars ended on December 20, 1998, when he died at the age of 39.
Sources
For more information on Danny Figueroa, his life, and crimes, please visit the Wikipedia page.
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First Murder Committed
Danny Figueroa shoots and kills Reynold Johnson in Aguanga.
Second Murder Committed
Figueroa kills 19-year-old Raymond Webber after feeling threatened.
Third Murder Committed
Figueroa fatally shoots 72-year-old Mary Rose Lengerich.
Suspect Arrested
Danny Figueroa is arrested after a 12-day search by authorities.
Charges Filed
Figueroa is charged with three counts of first-degree murder.
Guilty Plea
Figueroa pleads guilty to avoid a death sentence.
Sentenced
Danny Figueroa is sentenced to 66 years to life in prison.
Death in Prison
Danny Figueroa dies in prison.
Danny Figueroa, known as "The Backwoods Sniper," committed a series of murders in Southern California between May 13 and June 17, 1986, resulting in the deaths of three individuals: Reynold Johnson, Raymond Webber, and a third victim, Robert Jimenez. Figueroa, a self-described survivalist, targeted his victims in rural areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, using a rifle to carry out the attacks. He was apprehended on June 28, 1986, following an investigation that linked him to the murders through physical evidence, including a backpack containing a biblical quote found near the scene of one of the crimes. In 1987, Figueroa pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and was sentenced to 66 years to life in prison, where he remained until his death on December 20, 1998.
Investigators and the public speculate that Danny Figueroa's survivalist mentality and affinity for the outdoors played a significant role in his choice of victims and murder locations, as he often targeted individuals in remote areas. There are theories suggesting that his psychological state, described as having the mental capacity of a child, may have influenced his behavior and interactions with others. Some believe that his use of military clothing and hunting gear was not only a reflection of his interests but also an integral part of his identity as a killer.
The Backwoods Sniper: The Chilling Story of Danny Figueroa
Early Life
Born on September 24, 1959, in Moreno Valley, California, Danny Figueroa seemed destined for a life far removed from the ordinary. His childhood was steeped in an unusual affinity for the outdoors, a preference that would later define his grim legacy. As a young adult, he was often described as having the mental state of a child, choosing the company of those much younger than himself. This eccentricity, however, was never of a sexual nature. Instead, he reveled in wearing military clothing, hunting in the woods, and sleeping under the stars. These peculiar habits foreshadowed a dark path that lay ahead.
The Murders
The peaceful communities of Riverside and San Bernardino counties were shattered in the spring of 1986 when Danny Figueroa embarked on a deadly rampage. On May 13, 1986, the calm of Aguanga was pierced by gunfire. Reynold Johnson, 53, was performing yard work outside his home when Figueroa, rifle in hand, took his life with a single, cold-blooded shot.
The very next evening, Thomas Breedlove found himself face-to-face with the mysterious figure. Figueroa, lurking around Breedlove's property, brandished his rifle menacingly. Thomas' son, David, witnessed the confrontation and, armed with his own gun, fired at Figueroa, forcing him to retreat into the shadows.
The Breedloves were not the only ones to encounter Figueroa's wrath. On May 29, Raymond Webber, a 19-year-old simply heading to work, crossed paths with Figueroa. Webber happened to be behind Figueroa in his pickup truck during a 25-mile trek up Palomar Mountain. Fearing he was being pursued, Figueroa shot Webber in the head with his shotgun, killing him instantly. The discovery of rented equipment in Webber's truck tragically confirmed his harmless intentions.
June 8 saw Robert Jimenez in Indio facing a similar threat. While in his backyard, Jimenez spotted a man clad in green military attire with a rifle. The man, Figueroa, smiled before raising his weapon. Jimenez sought refuge behind bushes as Figueroa began firing, striking him twice. Despite his injuries, Jimenez managed to escape to a neighbor's home. Figueroa fled after a brief but terrifying standoff.
The final victim in this bloody trail was Mary Rose Lengerich, 72, who was last seen walking her dog along San Timoteo Canyon Road in Redlands on June 17. She, too, crossed paths with Figueroa, who shot her dead before disappearing into the wilderness. Witnesses later reported seeing a man fitting Figueroa's description in the area around the time of the murder.
The Search
The string of murders sent shockwaves through Southern California, inciting fear and paranoia. Residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties were on edge, aware that a man dubbed "The Backwoods Sniper" was on the loose. Both Thomas Breedlove and Robert Jimenez recounted their terrifying encounters with a man in military garb carrying a rifle, suspecting he was the killer. Their suspicions were bolstered by other witnesses who described the same ominous figure.
Authorities mounted an exhaustive search, deploying helicopters and search dogs to comb the area for the elusive sniper. Amidst growing panic, Danny Figueroa emerged as a prime suspect, particularly in the killing of Mary Rose Lengerich. Witnesses who had seen the killer positively identified Figueroa from photographs. After an intense 12-day manhunt, law enforcement finally apprehended Figueroa, still clad in his military uniform, hiding beneath a flood-control channel. He surrendered without resistance.
Court Proceedings
Following his arrest, Danny Figueroa was charged with attempted murder for the shooting of Robert Jimenez and three counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. He confessed responsibility for the killings but claimed the murder of Raymond Webber was an act of self-defense, citing the teenager's prolonged pursuit as justification.
To evade the death penalty, Figueroa opted to plead guilty to all charges. In 1987, he received a sentence of 66 years to life in prison. His life behind bars ended on December 20, 1998, when he died at the age of 39.
Sources
For more information on Danny Figueroa, his life, and crimes, please visit the Wikipedia page.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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First Murder Committed
Danny Figueroa shoots and kills Reynold Johnson in Aguanga.
Second Murder Committed
Figueroa kills 19-year-old Raymond Webber after feeling threatened.
Third Murder Committed
Figueroa fatally shoots 72-year-old Mary Rose Lengerich.
Suspect Arrested
Danny Figueroa is arrested after a 12-day search by authorities.
Charges Filed
Figueroa is charged with three counts of first-degree murder.
Guilty Plea
Figueroa pleads guilty to avoid a death sentence.
Sentenced
Danny Figueroa is sentenced to 66 years to life in prison.
Death in Prison
Danny Figueroa dies in prison.