Brittney Harris was due in court with her estranged husband days after authorities say he shot her outside a Madera County restaurant.
MADERA, Calif. — A 38-year-old woman had an active restraining order against her estranged husband when authorities say he fatally shot her Sunday outside a Denny’s in Madera County, according to court records and law enforcement accounts.
Brittney Harris, also identified in law enforcement reporting as Brittney Moreno, was taken to a hospital after deputies found her suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in a vehicle near Avenue 18 1/2 and Golden State Boulevard. She later died. Authorities arrested her estranged husband, 51-year-old David Moreno, about four hours after the shooting.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has described the shooting as a domestic violence-related incident. Court records obtained by ABC30 show Harris had an active restraining order against Moreno at the time of her death. The most recent order was filed in Merced County and alleged ongoing verbal, mental and emotional abuse.
The records show Harris and Moreno were scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, Sept. 1. Harris had sought changes to the restraining order that would have allowed Moreno to attend her father’s funeral and made exceptions for child custody exchanges, according to ABC30’s review of the records.
Deputies were called shortly after 11:30 a.m. Sunday after reports of multiple gunshots near the Denny’s. Sheriff Tyson Pogue said investigators determined that Harris and Moreno had been eating at the restaurant before they went outside. Authorities allege Moreno then shot Harris and left the area.
Responding deputies found Harris in a vehicle and began lifesaving measures before emergency medical crews arrived. She was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Harris’ family has identified her by her maiden name, Brittney Harris.
Authorities said Moreno left in a white Toyota RAV4. Investigators checking a possible address later saw him leave in the vehicle and coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Moreno was taken into custody near Highway 41 and Manning Avenue without incident about four hours after the shooting.
Moreno was transferred to Madera County and was being held on $1 million bail, according to ABC30. KMPH reported that the Madera County Sheriff’s Office listed a murder charge under California Penal Code Section 187(a). The allegations against Moreno have not been proven in court.
Harris was also a student and employee at Merced College. The college said she worked in its counseling center and had been enrolled in classes while working toward applying to its registered nursing program. She previously completed the college’s nurse assistant program.
The shooting remains under investigation. Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional findings about what led to the confrontation outside the restaurant, and court proceedings will determine the outcome of the criminal allegations against Moreno.
Author note: Last updated September 1, 2026.