Executive Summary
- Authorities arrested James Landi, 43, for the 2004 murder of 18-year-old Reynaldo Burts.
- The investigation began in March 2004 after remains were found in the San Jacinto Mountains.
- Landi was originally a person of interest, but the case went cold due to insufficient evidence.
- A cold case review in August 2025 uncovered new leads resulting in the arrest.
Deputies with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide case that remained unsolved for more than two decades. James Landi, 43, was taken into custody in Northern California regarding the 2004 murder of 18-year-old Reynaldo Burts, according to statements released by the agency.
The investigation originated on March 21, 2004, when deputies responded to a report of human remains discovered in the San Jacinto Mountains near Southfork Trail and Highway 74. Upon arrival, personnel from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station located the victim, who exhibited signs of significant physical trauma. Consequently, the Riverside Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit assumed control of the inquiry.
During the initial stages of the investigation, detectives identified Landi as a person of interest. However, authorities noted that at the time, there was insufficient evidence to support an arrest, causing the case to eventually go cold. Landi later relocated to San Mateo in Northern California.
Procedural momentum shifted in August 2025 when the department conducted a review of cold case homicides. Investigators stated that this review uncovered new leads which justified reopening the file. On December 5, 2025, investigators, assisted by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Gang Impact Team, located Landi in San Mateo and arrested him without incident. He was subsequently transported and booked on a murder charge.
Investigative Outlook
The resolution of this case highlights the operational necessity of periodic cold case reviews, which allow law enforcement to apply modern forensic technologies and fresh investigative perspectives to dormant files. Such reviews are critical in addressing the backlog of unsolved homicides and securing closure for victims’ families long after the initial crime. It is important to note that all individuals, including Mr. Landi, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
