Janelle Ruby said her boyfriend, Chris Brim, was a “genuine, honest and funny” man who could make friends with anyone.
The couple had two young daughters, and Ruby said there were plans to get married and try for a son.
But earlier this week, Brim never made it home.
The 31-year-old was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in front of the Green Tree Market on Hesperia Road in what Ruby said appeared to be a random act of violence.
Two suspects from Hesperia were arrested, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said: Antonio Mota, 21, the reported shooter; and Alicia Rivas, 22, the alleged accomplice.
Both are in custody at the West Valley Detention Center. Mota was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and murder. Rivas was booked on suspicion of being an accessory to murder.
The two suspects are scheduled to appear in Victorville Superior Court on Tuesday.
Ruby said she and Brim first met at Victor Valley College when they were both 21. They had been together since.
She said Brim worked as a truck driver. He had ambitions of starting a business.
“All he wanted was a better life for us, and we were so close to making it all happen,” Ruby said. “Chris was truly a family man and always put our needs above his own.”
According to the sheriff’s department, Brim was in a vehicle in front of the market when Rivas drove up and parked next to him.
Authorities said that’s when Mota, the passenger, got out and walked to Brim’s vehicle and fired several shots.
Ruby said it seemed to be a “completely random act because there was no confrontation” and that Brim had already bought what he needed inside the market when he was shot. Rivas and Mota then fled.
Sheriff’s officials said the two were later spotted by deputies in a different vehicle and were arrested after a short pursuit.
Homicide detectives said Mota was found to have a nonlife-threatening gunshot wound, believed to be sustained when Brim returned fire.
According to authorities, a handgun was found in Brim’s vehicle.
Ruby said Brim carried a gun “because of this reason exactly.”
“He said this desert is turning into LA and people aren’t safe and are getting killed in broad daylight,” she said. “It was for his protection.”
On Saturday, Ruby said she spoke with a detective who reported the suspects weren’t saying why they shot Brim.
Ruby said she later learned from a friend that Brim had bought an engagement ring on Wednesday and was on his way home before his death.
“The ring is still in the car and I don’t have it yet and he never had the chance to ask,” she said. “But to me we were already married.”
Ruby’s cousin has started a GoFundMe to help the family pay for funeral expenses.
Daily Press reporter Martin Estacio may be reached at 760-955-5358 or MEstacio@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_mestacio.
The Link LonkDecember 27, 2020 at 07:11AM
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Victorville man remembered as 'genuine, honest and funny' after Wednesday murder - VVdailypress.com
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