Podcast Summary: "Going West: True Crime" - Episode Aranda Briones // 473

Introduction

In episode 473 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the haunting and unresolved case of Aranda Briones, a 16-year-old girl who vanished under mysterious circumstances in January 2019. Released on January 31, 2025, this episode meticulously unpacks the series of events leading to Aranda’s disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the legal proceedings against the suspects.

Background on Aranda Briones

Aranda Briones was born on June 1, 2002, in Moreno Valley, California. Adopted by her maternal grandparents at the age of three, Aranda faced an unstable early childhood with absent parents. Despite this, she developed strong bonds within her adoptive family. Her grandmother was a pivotal figure in her life, providing love and support until her passing in 2016 when Aranda was just 14. Friends and family remembered Aranda as a kind and joyful spirit. Amanda Johnson, a friend, recalled, “she was a kind spirit and was always joyful, even in the bad moments” [07:34].

Aranda was known for her creativity, working as a self-taught makeup artist with an active Instagram presence. In the months leading up to her disappearance, she appeared to be turning her life around, holding a job she loved and focusing on her talents. However, there were underlying issues, including minor drug use and associations with peers involved in delinquent activities.

The 2017 Incident

The seeds of tragedy were sown in November 2017, when Aranda, then 15, was involved in a significant legal incident. On November 7, 2017, Aranda and her friend Owen Shover were confronted by a school resource officer while skipping school at a local park. In a moment of panic, Owen threw a handgun to Aranda, who attempted to dispose of it by throwing it into a drainage canal. The officer witnessed this and apprehended Aranda. As Heath Merryman explains, “Aranda decided to throw the gun in a nearby drainage canal” [07:34].

This incident led to her expulsion from Moreno Valley High School in February 2018, forcing her to attend a continuation school. Owen faced similar consequences, leading to his displacement from his home and increased resentment towards Aranda.

Reconnection with Her Father

In November 2018, Aranda reconnected with her estranged father, Landry Briones, also known as Chapo Lee, after years of incarceration due to multiple drug-related offenses. This reunion was a significant emotional milestone for Aranda, described by her father as “the happiest moment of his life” [07:34]. Chapo Lee had been a controversial figure, with a criminal record that included six prison stints and a sentence of 13 years for cocaine sales in 2007.

The Disappearance

On January 13, 2019, Aranda was last seen after meeting Owen for what was supposed to be a casual outing. According to the transcript, Aranda informed her brother Daniel of her fears regarding Owen’s potential retaliation [10:56]. On that day, Owen invited Aranda to assist him in making drug deliveries and robbing drug dealers, an invitation she accepted, possibly to maintain peace [10:17].

Despite initially sharing moments on social media, Aranda failed to return home, prompting her family to file a missing persons report the following day. Investigations quickly pointed towards Owen as he was identified as one of the last individuals to see her alive. Police traced Owen’s movements using phone pings and security camera footage, revealing suspicious activities and a possible concealment of Aranda’s whereabouts.

Investigation and Evidence

The investigation uncovered significant evidence implicating Owen and his brother Gary in Aranda’s disappearance:

1. Forensic Evidence: During the search of Owen’s Nissan Versa, investigators found a substance resembling blood in the trunk, later confirmed to match Aranda’s DNA [19:05]. Despite defense arguments questioning the certainty of this evidence, its presence was pivotal in linking Owen to the case.

2. Digital Footprint: Owen’s phone activity showed suspicious pings and a deliberate shutdown to obscure his location data during the critical hours of Aranda’s disappearance [26:28]. Phone records indicated that Owen was near Box Springs Mountain, an area with difficult terrain, suggesting a possible site for concealing a body.

3. Social Media Messages: A Facebook message from Owen to Gary read, “be ready for tonight. Get shovels and lighter fluid ready” [28:23]. This message was interpreted as a clear indication of an intent to dispose of evidence, further strengthening the prosecution’s case.

4. Security Footage: Citywide camera systems traced Owen’s movements on the night of the disappearance, contradicting his defense claims about malfunctioning cameras [23:29].

Arrests and Trial

On February 11, 2019, both Owen Shover and his brother Gary were arrested in Hesperia without resistance [20:15]. Owen faced charges of first-degree murder, while Gary was charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit a crime. The case proceeded slowly due to COVID-19 delays, prolonging the anguish of Aranda’s family.

During the trial, Owen’s defense attorney, Stephen Allen, attempted to undermine the prosecution’s case by portraying Aranda as a troubled teenager whose lifestyle choices led to her demise. Allen argued, “Aranda was into drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, using cocaine, doing drugs, and hanging out with people without any restrictions” [30:56]. This strategy aimed to shift blame away from Owen, suggesting that Aranda’s actions made her a victim of circumstance rather than a targeted murder.

Sentencing and Aftermath

In August 2024, Owen Shover was found guilty of Aranda’s murder after a brief jury deliberation. Judge Timothy J. Hollenhurst delivered a scathing verdict, stating, “there is no question in this court's mind that you are the face of pure evil” [35:09]. On October 25, 2024, Owen was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In stark contrast, Gary Shover received only 12 months of probation through a plea deal, a decision that devastated Aranda’s family.

Aranda’s body has never been found, despite extensive searches in the rugged San Bernardino Mountains. Expert Bobby Chacon highlighted the difficulties in locating remains in such vast and challenging terrain, underscoring the grim reality that Aranda’s remains may never be discovered [36:50].

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Going West: True Crime hosts conclude the episode by emphasizing the unresolved nature of Aranda Briones’s disappearance. They urge listeners to share the case in hopes that new information might surface, potentially bringing closure to her grieving family. As Daphne poignantly states, “we really have no answers. Her family has no answers” [40:09].

Listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast on social media for updates and to contribute any information that might aid in finding Aranda’s remains. The episode ends with a heartfelt plea for community involvement, highlighting the enduring impact of Aranda’s tragic story.

Notable Quotes

• Amanda Johnson: “She was a kind spirit and was always joyful, even in the bad moments.” [07:34]
• Daphne Woolsoncroft: “Dozens of friends and family members whose lives had been touched by Aranda spoke to the crowd, sharing treasured memories.” [17:29]
• Heath Merryman: “There is no way around this. Her blood DNA is in the trunk of your fucking car.” [19:05]
• District Attorney Mike Hestrin: “The victim didn't deserve this. She was just a kid. She had her whole life ahead of her.” [31:21]
• Judge Timothy J. Hollenhurst: “There is no question in this court's mind that you are the face of pure evil.” [35:09]

Closing Remarks

The Going West: True Crime episode on Aranda Briones presents a detailed and emotionally charged exploration of a young life cut short by violence and deceit. Through thorough analysis and compelling storytelling, Daphne and Heath bring to light the complexities of the case, honoring Aranda’s memory while seeking justice for her and her family.

For more information and to support ongoing investigations, listeners are urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff's Department at 951-955-2400.