Roberto Ayala murder explosion on fire by Paul Moore in a rice field Colusa County California
NBC's 'Dateline' sheds a light on another event. This time we see how a rice field explosion in Colusa County, California, killed farm manager Roberto Ayala. The episode, 'Family Business,' discusses whether death was accident or murder. In true 'Dateline' fashion, we are introduced to people near the case who send us specifics inside and clarify the situation thoroughly. You must be curious to know whether Roberto Ayala was killed and who killed him. Here's the data.
Why was Ayala murdered?
Grimes' Roberto Ayala was found dead July 16, 2011. The 43-year-old man's body was found in a rice field near Colusa County's 2047 Canal and Wescott Lane. That fateful day, Ayala picked up his seven-year-old son, bought him lunch, then headed to the rice fields of the Moore brothers to change an irrigation pump. A loud explosion occurred, and Ayala's son saw his father burn. The boy fled for help, but when aid came, Roberto was dead. He died of an explosive device unwittingly exploded at chest level. As firefighters arrived, his body already burned.
Ayala's spine, chest, and brain had shrapnel bits. The fragment-related injuries occurred right after fire injuries. During autopsy, Ayala died of multiple shrapnel injuries and high-voltage electrocution. Although Roberto's death was horrific, authorities were initially unsure of suspecting foul play or describing it as a tragic accident.
Who killed Roberto Ayala?
Ayala's death uncovered a long-standing, murky family feud and discontent. Peter and Paul were siblings, their fathers were original owners' sons. Naturally, both boys grew up awaiting management roles. Instead, among other employees, they were relegated and frequently thought their views were not respected.
On the other hand, Roberto had long worked on the farm and trusted the owners. His views were respected for Peter and Paul's ire. Even after Roberto's shoulder was hurt, Peter had announced that once healed, Ayala was all his. However, Paul actually committed the crime.
While investigating Roberto's murder, police obtained letters on August 12 and August 15. The letter author assumed responsibility. They said the explosive device was designed and mounted. The letter arriving on August 15 also included a diagram, alerting authorities that the sender was not playing around. The proof obtained from the site linked in with the letters.
Paul Moore was named as the sender, and authorities soon knocked on his door. They had a warrant and needed more evidence to connect Moore to Ayala's murder. Whatever they found at his home, tied him to evidence from the crime scene. Moore was convicted and booked for murder at Colusa County Jail.
As Peter testified at the trial, Paul was distraught, and the latter also thought he was suicidal. Also, Paul vehemently hated the Ayala brothers. He felt they'd take over his life, and was out to get them before the tables turned on him. The tragic death of Roberto Ayala reveals a troubling family dynamic, where the innocent father became the target.