Former TV News Reporter Accused of Shooting Hispanic Men After Asking If They Were Mexican

Ricardo Berron faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon in two separate incidents in San Diego

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:53pm

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A former San Diego TV news reporter named Ricardo Berron is accused of shooting two Hispanic men in separate incidents after allegedly asking them if they were Mexican. Berron was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and the shootings are being investigated as potential hate crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about hate-motivated violence and the role of implicit biases, especially against minority communities. As a former journalist, Berron's alleged actions raise questions about the responsibility of the media industry to address racism and intolerance.

The details

According to police, Berron allegedly shot one man in the arm in October 2025 and fired at another man on February 23, 2026. In both incidents, Berron is accused of asking the victims if they were Mexican before opening fire. The first victim, Joseph Valentino, said Berron approached him with a rifle at a scenic overlook and shot him after he confirmed he was Mexican. The second victim was also allegedly asked about his ethnicity before the shooting. Authorities searched Berron's home and found a gun believed to have been used in at least one of the shootings.

  • In October 2025, Berron allegedly shot a man in the arm at a scenic overlook on Palomar Mountain.
  • On February 23, 2026, Berron allegedly fired a shot at another man while he was seated in his vehicle.
  • Berron was arrested on March 10, 2026 at the San Diego International Airport.

The players

Ricardo Berron

A former San Diego TV news reporter who is accused of shooting two Hispanic men in separate incidents after allegedly asking them if they were Mexican.

Joseph Valentino

The alleged victim of the October 2025 shooting, who said Berron approached him with a rifle at a scenic overlook and shot him after he confirmed he was Mexican.

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What they’re saying

“I raised my hands and asked him not to shoot. He asked me if I was Mexican. I responded yes. At that point, I saw him zero in on my head, and instinctively turned to the right. I heard the shot. It missed my face and caught my arm.”

— Joseph Valentino, Alleged Victim

“While looking at the stars, the victim said he was approached by the suspect. During the interaction, the suspect produced a handgun and fired a single round through the driver's side window while the victim was seated inside his vehicle. The suspect then fled the scene in a vehicle. The victim was not hurt.”

— San Diego Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the shootings as potential hate crimes. The judge will decide on Berron's bail status at a hearing on March 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for greater accountability and reform within the media industry to address racism, intolerance, and the potential for violence stemming from implicit biases. As a former journalist, Berron's alleged actions have damaged public trust and raise serious questions about the responsibility of the media to promote understanding and prevent harm.