Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Arrest Made in 2004 Riverside County Killing After Cold-Case Review

A cold-case review yielded the break that put 43-year-old James Landi in custody.

Overview

  • Investigators arrested Landi on December 5 in San Mateo with help from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Gang Impact Team.
  • He was booked into the Southwest Detention Center on a murder charge and is being held without bail.
  • Detectives had identified Landi as a person of interest years ago, but the case stalled until an August 2025 review uncovered new leads.
  • The victim, 18-year-old Hemet resident Reynaldo Burts, was found on March 21, 2004 near Southfork Trail and Highway 74 in Idyllwild with signs of obvious trauma.
  • The investigation remains active, with a court appearance set at the Murrieta Southwest Justice Center on Wednesday, and authorities asking for tips at 951-955-2777.