Charges Expected Against Felon Suspected of Shooting in El Cerrito

Charges are expected to be filed Wednesday against a parolee accused of joining a man and woman in a drive-by shooting targeting an El Cerrito home.

Matthew Moala, 34, of Perris, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of shooting at an occupied structure, conspiracy, possession of controlled substances, possession of stolen property and parole violations.

His alleged co-conspirators, Adam Reyes and Margarita Elisdale, both 33 and of Perris, were also taken into custody — Reyes on suspicion of shooting at an occupied structure and conspiracy, and Elisdale on unspecified offenses. She was released on her own recognizance, while Reyes posted a $50,000 bail and was let out of the Robert Presley Jail Monday.

Moala remains held there without bail. His case was under review Tuesday by the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Matthew Bolle, shortly before 11 a.m. Oct. 9, the suspects allegedly went to the 7000 block of Minnesota Road, near Ontario Avenue, in the unincorporated community of El Cerrito, and one of them opened fire on a house.

They then immediately fled, Bolle alleged.

He said patrol deputies arrived within minutes and discovered "shell casings and a residence and vehicle that were struck by the gunfire."

No one in the home was injured, and the vehicle had been unoccupied.

A possible motive was not disclosed.

In the ensuing weeks, detectives developed leads pointing to the alleged involvement of the trio, the sergeant said. Sufficient evidence was gathered to obtain and serve search warrants at the suspects' respective residences, where they were taken into custody without incident last week.

Jail records indicate only Moala has prior felony convictions, though they weren't listed.