Police: Custody battle led to shooting
Pictured (L-R): Amy Hillrich, David Olvera and Emilio Saldana
RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- A custody battle between a divorced couple allegedly led to a Fontana man's fatal shooting Tuesday at an Ontario parking garage, police said.
John Hillrich, a 39-year-old executive at the company that produces Yellow Pages phone books, was shot to death at about 2 p.m. as he was leaving work.
Police said Thursday that Hillrich's ex-wife, 38-year-old Amy Hillrich of Yucaipa, asked her boyfriend, David Olvera, to kill her ex-husband.
"Amy Hillrich asked Olvera to murder her husband ... because John (Hillrich) has ruined her life due to a custody battle over their two children," a detective wrote in a probable cause declaration made public Thursday.
Prosecutors on Thursday charged Amy Hillrich, Olvera and a third man, Emilio Saldana, with murdering John Hillrich.
Saldana was also charged with a felony for allegedly possessing methamphetamine. He also Olvera are both parolees, prosecutors said.
Police said the three suspects used to work together at a Yucaipa care facility. According to divorce records, Amy Hillrich worked as a nurse at Braswell's Hampton Manor in Yucaipa.
The three accused killers appeared for an arraignment Thursday afternoon in West Valley Superior Court, where they pleaded not guilty to criminal charges. They are next due in court Wednesday.
Judge Raymond P. Van Stockum ordered the defendants held without bail. They remained jailed at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
Surveillance cameras filmed the alleged killers' vehicle leaving the area after John Hillrich was shot inside a parking structure at 3401 N. Centre Lake Drive, police said.
A witness also saw the vehicle and wrote down its license plate number as the car left the area, police said.
Investigators later determined that Olvera and Saldana were in the car at the time of the shooting. Olvera was also seen with a semi-automatic handgun about two hours before the killing, police said.
Detectives determined that Amy Hillrich was in contact with Olvera and Saldana before and after the shooting, police said.
Amy Hillrich was arrested at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Ontario Police Station. Olvera, 24, of Yucaipa and Saldana, 22, of Calimesa were both arrested shortly before midnight Tuesday.
One of John Hillrich's best friends came to the defendants' arraignment, and in an interview afterward expressed shock about his friend's death.
Caleb Gray said John and Amy Hillrich remained friendly after their split in 2004, and seemed close up to the time of the shooting.
"This is such a surprise because of how close they were," Gray said.
Gray said he and John Hillrich met 13 years ago at work. Though Gray soon left the job, he and Hillrich remained close, and the two were roommates for about three years when Hillrich left his wife, Gray said.
Gray said the most important thing in Hillrich's life was his children: a 12-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son.
Gray said he last spoke to Hillrich about four hours before the shooting. Hillrich called him to ask Gray whether he'd be able to attend Hillrich's son's football game that evening, Gray said.
Olvera was convicted of two felonies in 2008, for having unlawful sex with a minor and for shooting at an inhabited dwelling.
He was sentenced to two years in state prison for the latter charge, which counted as a strike within the state's three-strikes law, said David Hidalgo, supervising deputy district attorney.
Saldana was convicted in 2008 of first-degree residential burglary and sentenced to prison. That conviction was also a strike, Hidalgo said.
If convicted of murdering John Hillrich, Olvera and Saldana face maximum prison sentences of 100 years to life, while Amy Hillrich faces 50 years to life, Hidalgo said.
Olvera and Saldana's prison sentences would be doubled because of their prior strike convictions, Hidalgo said.
I knew John Hillrich as a co-worker / friend through Verizon Info Services, I was very shocked to hear the news of his death. Custody battles can be an excruciating ordeal for both sides but there was more to it than fighting for custody over their children as some may have been led to believe. The unfortunate downside was JH may have appeared to look professional on the outside but his biggest downfall were his extra-marital affairs and infidelity amongst some of his co-workers. Being the VP he was at times stationed for months at other regional offices where he would stay in the area throughout the week and go home to to his wife and children on the weekends. During those weeks JH took the opportunity to engage in these affairs whether they were co-workers or others outside of the office. I know that he did not deserve death as the ultimate price for his infidelities but it just shows that cheating behind your wife is not a very smart thing to do, even worst double dipping among the people you work with is not such a bright idea either. RIP John!
Frank-nice comments, way to attack a guy after thus horrific crime. Classy.
Wow Frank........sad....very sad u felt the need to write this now.
How Low can you go!… you talk down and smear John’s integrity and especially when John is not here to defend himself… Shame! you are truly the coward…What happened in John and Amy’s personal life does not warrant the loss of 2 children’s parents…the ignorance of you smearing John Hillrich and defending what happened is not only shocking, it is pathetically distasteful…
Frank/////It is not right to make comments so broad without specifics, otherwise it just sounds like rumor mill untruths
Judging by her actions and her acquaintances, I would have to say the ex wife's character and integrity is much more in doubt than her poor husband. If I was married to her I would probably want find solace in the company of another person as well. I feel sorry for their kids, and I hope HIS family will be raising them.
I'm Johnny's littlest sister. Frank, how dare you.. call yourself a friend and then say all those harsh words about somthing you knew little of. I've never heard your name,I know by what you were posted you were never his friend. He wouldn't be friends with someone of your character. What you posted speaks great lengths about yourself so if you want to talk down on someone why dont you go take a good hard look at yourself in the mirror. Only cowards speak of people who aren't here to defend themselves. As Jeff said.. real classy. You should be extremley ashamed of yourself. I'm discusted by you.
I worked with John for several years at Verizon/Idearc/SuperMedia - always a class act! I am so sad to hear of his passing. He was always so pleasant and professional. He will be missed. Megan, you should be proud - John was one of the good guys!
Frank - I can't believe you would call yourself a friend and post what you did. First off I knew both John and his wife. It is a sad turn of events that has taken place. My heart goes out to his family, but mostly his kids. Rememeber the kids first. They do not need to read this or any bad comments about the situation. They all ready have enough to deal with don't they. If for no other reason remember people there are kids involved and they are smart kids that can use the internet and stumble on the stupidity of others that make unnecessary and unfair comments about it or their dad. So please lets keep them in mind when you want to post in the future! Prayers to all left behind from this tragedy.
I just came from John's celebration of Life. Thank you John for your Leadership, your love of Family, Friends and most importantly your love of Jesus Christ. Your example of a Christian Leader was passed on to your subordinates who watched your every move and we are the better for it. Yes you were human, we all make mistakes, but you kept your personal issues to yourself and out of the public eye. Thank you for showing us what true leadership means. May God be with your children and your family and all of your friends which I count myself as one. Blessings.
Frank:
Who made you judge and jury, you are not God and you certainly are a very inappropriate person. No one least of all people who loved and respected John for all the wonderful qualities he possessed, wish to read your vile comments. His two beautiful children & his family are in grief as we all are.
I would certaily take a hard look in the mirror if I were you, are you proud of yourself? He isn't with us to defend your vile accusations, what a cowardly act!
His Celebration of life ceremony is a testament to how special John truly was to so many of us spanning many years. God Bless the Hillrich family, his children & friends...he will live in our hearts & memories foerever. Walk with the Angels John you will always be loved.
Frank-
Whatever someone's personal struggles are, are not for public display. I am sure that you have failings, you would not want made public. Beside the fact that no one but those involved have any idea of what truly transpired. I find people, such as yourself, who would go out of their way to defile someone's name, have many skeletons in their own closet. No one is perfect, except our Lord. There are hundreds of people mourning the loss of John. There are parents without a son, sisters without a brother, children without a father. John did not deserve what happened to him. Obviously, you belong in the same class as those who took his life. Hit your knees and pray for forgiveness Frank. Then you owe a public apology to all who knew and loved John.
WOW Frank ..way to go, if thats your real name. It sounds like it was your wife or girlfriend that had an affair with John. Definately a move up for your wife or girlfiend.You obviously did not know john or the structure of the company. It sounds to me that you were let go for poor performance and it surely reflects in your posting. John is a grown man who was seperated/divorced form his wife and by the way jackass he had a wonderful girlfriend and was a great father, So help us all understand how John could ever find the time to have an affair with anybody?????? of other than your wife or girlfriend...ps penis size does matter,,,,,get yours worked on. they have procedures for that
WOW Frank ..way to go, if thats your real name. It sounds like it was your wife or girlfriend that had an affair with John. Definately a move up for your wife or girlfriend.You obviously did not know john or the structure of the company. It sounds to me that you were let go for poor performance and it surely reflects in your posting. John was a grown man who was seperated/divorced form his wife and by the way jackass he had a wonderful girlfriend and was a great father, So help us all understand how John could ever find the time to have an affair with anybody?????? of other than your wife or girlfriend...ps penis size does matter,,,,,get yours worked on. they have procedures for that
Frank, what was your point for posting your stupid comment? if you are a tiny spec of a man, you would apologize to the family
Dont know you all but my sincerest most heart felt condolences for your loss. I pray God wraps the entire family and all that knew and loved John with His peace, warmth and comfort and fill you with His Holy Spirit.
Lets keep the Hillrich family in our prayers and know that John is now in the presence of the Lord. For those who knew John and trust the Lord, let us respond to any inappropriate comments in a way that would not only be pleasing to our Lord but also to John.
WWJD right? What would John do!
People leave comments for a number of reasons but when we respond we should not respond with name calling and insults. Jesus prayed from His cross, the cross he died upon to save us all from our sin, He prayed, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do"
We are all sinners and we all fall short of the glory of God and His word says that our deeds are as dirty rags.
Protect his children with love and wise words and know that God Himself is more than capable of dealing with the others that feel the need to bloviate.
In fact we should pray for those that are leaving the comments. They know not what they do.
No one deserves to die in that manner, and most of all his children do not deserve this. This is a horrific tragedy for the kids.
Without a doubt we are all sinners and we are all far from perfect and must all pray for our inequities. We are all hypocrites to a degree, but... to my understanding, John really put lots of salespeople and their families in bad situations and was also deceptive. When you swing a bat at a person, you will hurt them. One day someone will swing the bat at you. You should refrain from screwing people. So stop sounding like you are all saints and look deep within yourselves and reflect on all the people that you may have screwed and try not to screw anyone else. Because one day you will get screwed.
This is not a memorial page but still nobody should be judging John or his wife who, by the way, has not been convicted. Let the facts come out in court and justice prevail. John did have a long time affair with a coworker and she even considered herself his fiance. What impact that had on his wife and her friendships or relationships with others is important in this case and all of that will come out in court. He did not deserve to die but his wife did not pull the trigger and should not be judged as harshly as the person who did. I've always known her to be a good person, too.
Are you high? Why are you even on here? I mean seriously dude, whats your fucking problem? Why dont you stop using anonymous and post your real name? Oh I know why,,,, cause your a bitch! Even if John was an asshole why are you trying to hurt his family? When you post stupid shit like this then it seems to me its like swinging that same proverbial bat. I have never met Johns family but I know they are in allot of pain right now and the last thing they need is some asshole like you putting John down and defending the evil bastards that did this to him. Think about what you said. "but his wife did not pull the trigger and should not be judged as harshly as the person who did".
What a dumbass! If she got these guys to do this then she should get the death penalty! But we are a bunch of pussys in this country now and god forbid we punish according to the crime! I also know there are kids involved and that would be the only reason I would consider prison over death but other than that I would not hesitate to send her straight to Jesus and let Him decide what to do with her. Your right that we dont know the whole story and we should let justice prevail but again even if John was the biggest asshole in the world,,, and Im not saying he was, but IF,,,, does it give you the right to hurt his family? Do you really feel you need to say hurtful things to hurt his children? What the fuck did they ever do to you? So the next time you open that pie hole of yours think about the innocent people you are hurting.
Frank,
Sierra-Tango-Foxtrot-Uniform
Copy?
Only husband and wife know what goes on in a marriage. Frank, we are "NOBODY" to judge or talk about others with such a superiority. John was a very good person, not only I've worked with him for many years, but also with Amy's father,a very kind and respected man. Both families are trying to stay focused in this difficult time for the sake of two beautiful children, they certainly do not need to read the comments made about his father and/or mother. It's time for prayers.
Thank you whoever defend my mom. And get a life whoever said bad stuff about her. She is a great person. And you people don't even know her so go tear down your own family and friends. And whoever said crap about my dad go get a life to. Everyone makes mistakes and no matter what they are all equal in God's eyes. And FYI my parents only filed for a divorce they never truly got divorced. So whoever liked his girlfriend should re-think that.
patty - johnnys mom
please stop all the insults against my son
you were not walking in his shoes so dont judge
only God can judge
if you would of been at his memorial service you would of seen how many people loved and respected my son
and all of the nice things that have been told to me about my son by his co workers that loved working for him
of course being in a upper position if people didnt perform he had to fire them that was part of HIS job
was not a favorite part of his job but something he had to do if the worker was not performing
to try and smear his name about his personal life well that is none of your business
and unless your are without sin you shouldnt be throwing stones at anyone else
i LOVED MY SON!!!
I AM BROKEN WITHOUT MY SON!!!
I WILL NEVER SEE MY SON AGAIN TILL I MEET HIM IN HEAVEN
how would you like to have your loved one taken away from you in such an ugly mean spirited and cowardly way
he has two beautiful children that he loved more then life itself and to post anything on here that can hurt them (and as you see one of the children has read your nasty evil post)is so mean spirited
these kids love their mom and dad so please keep your ugly comments to yourself......
we are not the judge of anybody only God has that right
so my suggestion to you is get a life and a Bible maybe you to will come to know God....that would be my sons wish for you.......
im so sorry that Amy was a part of this i pray for her children and her life, i new of amy i am a nurse as well divorce can be very hard, but when your children are trying to be taken away from you , it can send you over the top bless both of your families
Haley,
I am a personal friend of your mom. I know that both of your parents love and adore you and Jake so very much. I am so sorry for your loss honey. Please don't listen to what the people are saying. They didn't know your parents obviously. They are wonderful parents. Wonderful people. Your mother only ever said great things about your father, they still loved each other. Hopefully your mom will be home soon to be with you kids. I just want you to know you and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers and please don't listen to these negative people who have no clue on what or why anything happened. I love your mom and know everything will be okay just hang in there.
I wish people would stop judging . That is for God to do. I also pray for the Hillrich's, I know John is with God and looking down on all of you. A mother shouldn't lose a son like that and for that I am so sorry for your pain.
God Bless all of you
amy may not have had anything to do with this, so let it come out in court. i am a very good friend of hers, and think she is way to nice to do anything like that. i feel so bad for the kids, but i am hoping they will have there mom back soon. i pray for amy, and the truth. i have only known her to be a very sweet person, who got caught up with the wrong people. he was way to young for her, and maybe got to possessive. i hope she didnt have anything to do with it, because i like her alot. i think she's innocent.
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