California Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Murdering Former Classmate Over School Expulsion
Briones’ body has never been found, leaving lingering questions. “There are many questions left unanswered, none more than where is Aranda?” Riverside County Superior Court Judge Timothy J. Hollenhorst told Shover during sentencing. “You are the face of pure evil,” the judge said, adding that Shover appeared incapable of remorse.
The events leading to the tragedy began on November 7, 2017, when Briones and Shover, along with friends, skipped class to hang out at a park. Shover, carrying a handgun, gave it to Briones to hide when a school resource officer approached. Panicked, she threw the weapon into a drainage canal, but the officer saw her dispose of it and detained her. Both students were expelled from school in February 2018 following the incident.
Prosecutors revealed that Shover harbored resentment against Briones for the expulsion. Social media messages from November 2018 to January 2019 detailed Shover’s attempts to obtain another handgun. On January 12, 2019, he invited Briones to join him on a so-called “adventure,” promising she could ride along on drug deliveries and robberies.
The two met at Bayside Park the following day, with Briones posting photos of their reunion. However, by 6 p.m., Shover’s intentions became clear when he messaged his brother, “Be ready for tonight. Get shovels and lighter fluid ready.”
The pair drove into the San Bernardino Mountains, where the phone signals dropped between 8:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., leaving no trace of their location. Shover’s phone reactivated later that night at his father’s house.
Briones was reported missing soon after. Investigators discovered her blood in the trunk of Shover’s car and a Facebook message to his brother confirming plans for the crime.
At sentencing, Briones’ friend described her as “a kind spirit who was always joyful, even in bad moments.”
Shover’s brother, Gary, pleaded guilty in March to being an accessory after the fact and received 12 months’ probation.
Shover’s attorney, Stephen Allen, expressed disappointment with the sentence, saying, “We are sad about the outcome and hopeful the appellate process will address any errors.”
Shover will serve life in prison without parole, leaving the question of Briones’ final resting place unanswered.
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