On July 4, 2001, Megan Barroso, a 20-year-old Moorpark, California, resident who was a part-time college student, enjoyed viewing fireworks with her friends.
Her rental car, however, was discovered after she had left the celebrations on a central median close to a freeway underpass.
Investigators told Homicide for the Holidays, “The vehicle was running and unattended; there was nobody to be found in the area.”
In the car, there were five gunshot holes, the majority of which were in the windshield. Additionally, the steering wheel, gearshift, and seat were all covered with blood. According to Rick Barrios, Commander, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Megan’s phone, purse, and sandal were all still in the car.
A cleaning rod from a rifle and shell casings with a green tinge were also discovered close to her vehicle.
Megan was unable to be discovered despite investigators searching the area to determine whether she had fled the crime scene or was hiding.
Sheriffs spoke with Megan’s relatives, who described her as a friendly, good-hearted young lady without any adversaries. They also spoke with Lindsay Gross, who had spent the Fourth of July with Megan and was her best friend.
Lindsay told police that she and Megan had met high school friends at Silver Strand Beach following a holiday meal with her family. She claimed that Megan had rejected a young man’s advances after he had flirted with her.
Around 10:30 p.m., when the fireworks show was over, they hung out at a friend’s apartment. Lindsay offered Megan a place to stay, but Megan declined, and at around 2:45 a.m., Megan headed home.
She hadn’t seen her since then.