PCAO not ready to press charges against suspect in connection with Zahriya Moreno's death

TUCSON, Arizona (13 News) – The Pima County District Attorney's Office has asked the Sheriff's Department to collect more evidence in the investigation into the death of Zahriya Demi Moreno before filing new charges.

Zahriya was injured in a domestic violence incident early Monday, August 12.

Zahriya's boyfriend, Angelito Adrian Olivas, claims the two had an argument. He says at one point Zahriya jumped on the trunk of his vehicle as he attempted to leave the area of ​​4500 South Aldon Road. Olivas admitted he knew she was in the vehicle but drove away anyway.

Olivas said Zahriya fell from the vehicle and he took her to the local fire department. Zahriya never recovered from her injuries and her organs were donated after a march of honor in Banner on Wednesday, August 14. She was subsequently pronounced dead.

Olivas was charged with aggravated assault and endangerment before he released on $2,500 bail.

The public outcry was loud, with many demanding that more serious charges be brought against Olivas.

Pima County District Attorney Laura Conover spoke to 13 News about the low bail amount, pointing to the county's original hearing system to explain why the presiding judge may not have been given a full picture of the incident.

Conover said only a few hours passed from Olivas' arrest to his first hearing, but prosecutors still tried to set an appropriate bail amount for the aggravated assault charge. She said prosecutors recommended $10,000 bail for Olivas.

13 News has been checking with the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the PCAO daily since then about the case.

The PCSD confirmed that the PCAO had asked the agency to continue its follow-up investigation before more serious charges could be brought.

The PCSD also confirmed that the autopsy will take some time. 13 News has already requested a copy of the report.

“While we understand the emotional impact this case has had on Zahriya Moreno's family and the Tucson community, we must emphasize that our office is unable to comment on the case at this time,” the PCAO said.

The people of Tucson are not only demanding harsher prosecution in this case, but are also supporting the Moreno family.

At least a hundred people turned out for Zahriya's honor march in Banner on Wednesday, and two days later there was a drive, a fundraiser and a vigil for her.

The ride was attended by dozens of Tucson residents and was organized by a total stranger who was impressed by Zahriya's story. The fundraiser took place at Aveda Institute where Zahriya trained as a beautician. The vigil at Armory Park was attended by hundreds of people from across the community.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family during this difficult time. As with the Honor Walk on Wednesday and the vigil on Friday, the Tucson community is showing its support for the family. As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, more than $38,000 has been raised. You can help by HERE.

“Thank you for standing by us during this difficult time. Your support and kindness are very much appreciated and bring comfort to our grieving hearts,” the family wrote in the report.

The family hoped to raise $112 with the GoFundMe campaign. This number has a special meaning for the Morenos.

Zahirya's twin brother Izac died in an accident in 2021. According to Robert Moreno, Zahirya and Izac's father, 112 was his son's favorite number. This number also appeared on Wednesday when Zahirya's organs were removed at 1:12 p.m.

If you or someone you know is in a situation of domestic violence, know that there are resources available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or the Emerge Center against domestic violence at 1-888-428-0101.

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