Driver to Be Arrested for Murder Following Fatal Intentional Collision in Rancho Cucamonga
DATE: November 1, 2026, at 8:58 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC187 - Murder and 664 / 187 – Attempted Murder
LOCATION: Day Creek Boulevard / Wilson Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga
SUSPECT: Julia Kunkel, 32-years-old, Resident of Oceanside
VICTIM 1: Leslie De Belen, 40-years-old, Resident of Rancho Cucamonga, (Deceased)
VICTIM 2: 38-year-old, Male, Resident of Rancho Cucamonga
VICTIM 3: 61-year-old, Female, Resident of Rancho Cucamonga
VICTIM 4: 6-month-old, Female, Resident of Rancho Cucamonga
SUMMARY: On Sunday, November 1, 2026, at approximately 8:58 p.m., Deputies from the Rancho Station were dispatched to an unknown injury traffic collision at the intersection of Day Creek Boulevard and Wilson Avenue.
Upon arrival, deputies observed a three-vehicle traffic collision. The driver of vehicle one was identified as Julia Kunkel. Kunkel was injured, uncooperative, and was transported to Pomona Valley Medical Center for her injuries. Vehicle two was occupied by Victim’s 1-4. All four occupants were transported to ARMC for medical treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts Leslie was pronounced deceased at ARMC. The occupant of the third vehicle was uninjured. The Rancho Station MAIT team was called to the scene and began their investigation. During the investigation, it was determined that Kunkel intentionally struck the victim’s vehicle.
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail, responded to the location and assumed the investigation. Following an extensive investigation, detectives determined that Kunkel intentionally struck the victim’s vehicle. Due to injuries sustained in the collision, Kunkel will be arrested and booked on charges of Murder and Attempted Murder once she has been medically cleared for release from the hospital.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
Refer: Detective T. Hodgins or Sergeant M. Warrick
Station: Homicide Detail
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 112612002 H# 2026-096
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700