Body found in backyard grave in Pico Rivera brings charges

A Pico Rivera man was charged Tuesday with fatally shooting a 19-year-old and burying his remains in a shallow backyard grave.

Robert Charles Redd, 51, allegedly shot Joseph Rubalcava once in the head July 18 and buried his body in the backyard of his home.

Two days after Rubalcava disappeared, relatives and friends desperately searched for the missing man until Wednesday when they discovered the shallow grave.

Sheriff investigators and coroner’s experts excavated the site and recovered the man’s body.

Redd faces one count of murder with the special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a handgun, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Rosabella Reyes.

He is being held on $1-million bail. If convicted, Redd could face 25 years to life in prison.

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