The death of a 22-year-old Tucson woman has shattered her family as it seeks more information about the circumstances of the domestic-violence related incident that led to her death.
Zahriya Moreno was being treated at Banner University Medical Center, where an honor walk was held beginning at 1:12 p.m. Wednesday before her organs were harvested.
Her twin brother, Izak, died in an ATV crash in April 2021. His favorite number was 112, the family said.
βZahriya was our rock, she was our world and now sheβs our angel,β her father, Robert Moreno said during a news conference Wednesday outside the hospital as the family was surrounded by dozens of family and friends.
βShe wouldnβt cry in front of mom and dad very much and would make fun of us for crying for our son, but then mom would hear her crying in her room by herself,β he said.
βWe relied on her strength and I hope we can feel it somehow.β
Zahriya Moreno was taken to a Drexel Heights Fire Department station just after midnight Monday by her boyfriend, Angelito Adrian Olivas, the Pima County Sheriffβs Department said in a news release.
She was unresponsive and in code arrest. Her condition deteriorated over the next two days.
Following an investigation into her injuries, it was learned that she and Olivas were in an argument in the 4500 block of South Alton Road, near West Ajo Highway and South San Joaquin Road.
Details remain unclear, but family members say Olives was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and aggravated assault.
Investigators say the case is still being investigated and more charges are possible.
A complaint read during his initial court appearance said Zahriya may have jumped on Olivasβ vehicle as he attempted to drive away and her injuries occurred when she fell off the car.
Moreno, Zahriyaβs father, a captain with the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, called her death a result of βan act of senseless violence.β
He said he knew there was βconflictβ between his daughter and Olivas but didnβt know the extent of it, saying his daughter βwas probably trying to protect him.β
Moreno said he is disappointed Olivas was released on $2,500 bond.
Carmen Moreno, Zahriyaβs mother with whom she lived, said Olivas βhas three different stories,β and so they arenβt exactly sure what transpired between them.
She and other family members said they did not know of any possible abuse until after the incident this week.
βMy memory of my daughter is the brilliant, strong, great girl that she is in every situation, (from) losing her brother to losing her dogs to being my rock,β the mom said. βShe felt sorry for him (Olivas) and always wanted to fix him, love him and take care of him.β
Stephanie Moreno, Zahriya Morenoβs aunt and her fatherβs sister, said Olivas initially told the family that Zahriya was injured when she fell off an all-terrain vehicle.
βWeβre taking it hour by hour and dealing with the situation as it comes. My brother has now lost both of his kids,β Stephanie Moreno said. βWeβre finding details out with the rest of the public. Thereβs just so much we donβt know.β
Olivas is set to be back in court Aug. 22.