Tucson family struggles to understand circumstances of young woman's death

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.

“Zahriya was our rock, she was our world and now she’s our angel,” her father, Robert Moreno said during a news conference Wednesday outside the hospital as the family was surrounded by dozens of family and friends.

“She wouldn’t 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,” he said.

“We relied on her strength and I hope we can feel it somehow.”

Zahriya Moreno was taken to a Drexel Heights Fire Department station just after midnight Monday by her boyfriend, Angelito Adrian Olivas, the Pima County Sheriff’s 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.

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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 Olivas’ vehicle as he attempted to drive away and her injuries occurred when she fell off the car.

Moreno, Zahriya’s father, a captain with the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, called her death a result of “an act of senseless violence.”

He said he knew there was “conflict” between his daughter and Olivas but didn’t know the extent of it, saying his daughter “was probably trying to protect him.”

Moreno said he is disappointed Olivas was released on $2,500 bond.

Carmen Moreno, Zahriya’s mother with whom she lived, said Olivas “has three different stories,” and so they aren’t 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.

“My 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,” the mom said. “She felt sorry for him (Olivas) and always wanted to fix him, love him and take care of him.”

Stephanie Moreno, Zahriya Moreno’s aunt and her father’s sister, said Olivas initially told the family that Zahriya was injured when she fell off an all-terrain vehicle.

“We’re taking it hour by hour and dealing with the situation as it comes. My brother has now lost both of his kids,” Stephanie Moreno said. “We’re finding details out with the rest of the public. There’s just so much we don’t know.”

Olivas is set to be back in court Aug. 22.