REDLANDS, CA – A Redlands man is in custody after authorities say he fatally shot his half-brother and allegedly endangered two young children by leaving gas burners running in their home.

Zackary Brodowski, 32, was arrested Tuesday in connection with the killing of his half-brother, Aaron Richard Rivera, 36, and an apparent attempt to harm Rivera’s children. The events unfolded early in the morning at an apartment on Kansas Street in Redlands, situated east of Los Angeles in San Bernardino County.

Police were called to the Rivera Apartments following reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found Rivera dead inside a unit, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Initial findings at the scene heightened concerns, as investigators discovered that the apartment’s stove burners had been intentionally left on, filling the residence with natural gas.

Inside the home at the time were Rivera’s two children, who were asleep and alone. Responding officers reached them before any harm occurred and safely removed them from the dangerous environment.

As detectives pieced together the events, they identified Brodowski as the prime suspect, a familial link confirmed by evidence and statements from relatives. Surveillance footage from the apartment complex reportedly captured Brodowski leaving the scene immediately after the shooting, entering a silver 2008 Ford Focus before driving away.

Investigators focused their search on Brodowski’s residence in Calimesa, about 20 miles away. Detectives and a tactical team set up surveillance on California Street, where they spotted both the suspect and the vehicle matching the description recorded at the scene of the crime.

Authorities arrested Brodowski at his home without incident later that day. A subsequent search of the property yielded a firearm suspected to have been used in the shooting, along with clothing believed to match what the suspect wore during the attack.

Brodowski now faces charges of murder and attempted murder. He is currently being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation as detectives continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses. Officials reported that neither of the children was injured during the episode, and they have since been placed in the care of relatives.

This case has caused shock and unrest in Redlands, a community where violent crime is relatively rare. Police have encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward as their investigation progresses.