Man charged with murdering wife

A man was arrested in the murder of his wife in Madera County.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Communications Center on Sunday, Aug. 30 at about 11:30 a.m. received multiple reports of a shooting in the area of Avenue 18 ½ and Golden State Boulevard.

Deputies arrived to the parking lot of the Denny’s Restaurant and located a woman who had been shot multiple times, MCSO said. They immediately began life-saving measures until EMS personnel took over.

She was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased. MCSO on Monday identified the victim as Brittney Moreno, 38, of Merced County. Family preferred to use her maiden name, Harris. She was a mother and reportedly a student at Merced College.

Detectives determined the homicide was related to domestic violence.

Authorities said witnesses on Sunday reported seeing the suspect flee the area toward Highway 99 in a small white SUV. MCSO identified the suspect as David Moreno, 51, whom they considered armed and dangerous.

MCSO detectives later that day were checking a possible address for the suspect when they observed him leave in the same vehicle described by witnesses.

Coordinating with Fresno County Sheriff’s Office air unit and ground patrol, a stop was conducted on Moreno’s vehicle. David Moreno, described as 5 foot 11 inches and weighing 280 pounds, was arrested without incident at the location.

He was booked into Madera County Jail on a murder charge the same day.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.

An account has been set up to help the victim’s family. A woman identified on social media and GoFundMe as Audrina Moreno said she is the victim’s daughter.

“My mom was tragically killed by my father and our family is now facing a pain that feels impossible to put into words,” Audrina wrote on the fundraising website.

“Everything changed so suddenly and we are trying to cope with this overwhelming grief. I never imagined we would be in this position. Thank you for keeping my mom and my siblings in your prayers and thoughts.”

Audrina on social media said her mom Brittany was her best friend and her rock who never missed an opportunity to be present for her children.

“She was strong and capable of doing anything in the world – even trying to create a new life for her and her kids. She was a selfless woman who welcomed anyone her care and love if needed. I hope her story and her ways give motivation for other women going through the same exact stuff to never be afraid and never let someone dictate your future and your life.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-brittney-morenos-memory for information.