Salton City, California – A 51-year-ancient man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of 17-year-old T’Neya Tovar, whose remains were discovered in the Salton Sea area two months ago. The case, which has garnered significant attention and been closely followed by Tovar’s family and community, represents a tragic outcome to a search that began in December 2025. Abraham H. Feinbloom pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and faces a potential sentence of 50 years to life in prison if convicted.
The investigation into T’Neya Tovar’s disappearance began after she was reported missing by her mother, Chaya Tovar, in December 2025. According to reports, T’Neya was last seen by a friend who dropped her off in the Salton City area approximately two weeks before her mother filed the missing person report. The initial stages of the search were hampered by a lack of immediate leads, with T’Neya’s phone going directly to voicemail and no activity on her social media accounts, as her mother detailed in public Facebook posts seeking assistance. The case quickly evolved from a missing person investigation to a suspected homicide after the discovery of human remains.
The breakthrough in the case came on December 21, 2025, with the discovery of a human leg in the Salton City area. Forensic analysis, however, initially proved inconclusive in identifying the remains. It wasn’t until February 6, 2026, that investigators were able to confirm a DNA match between the recovered remains and T’Neya Tovar, according to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office. Despite extensive searches, the remainder of T’Neya’s body has not yet been recovered. The Salton Sea, a shrinking and increasingly saline lake in Southern California, presents significant challenges to search and recovery efforts.
Arrest and Charges Against Abraham Feinbloom
Following the positive DNA identification, authorities executed a search warrant at the home of Abraham H. Feinbloom, located in the 2800 block of Harlequin Court in Salton City, on February 13, 2026. According to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, Feinbloom attempted to flee the scene as deputies arrived, jumping a fence in an apparent attempt to evade arrest. He was subsequently apprehended and booked into Imperial County Jail on suspicion of murder and resisting a peace officer. The Imperial County District Attorney’s office formally charged Feinbloom with murder and two enhancements related to the use and discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime on February 18, 2026. The Los Angeles Times reported on the charges and Feinbloom’s plea of not guilty.
The arrest of Feinbloom marks a significant development in the case, but investigators have yet to publicly disclose a motive for the alleged killing. The investigation has been conducted with the assistance of the FBI, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and the Imperial County District Attorney’s office, highlighting the collaborative effort to bring closure to this tragic case.
Previous Legal Issues for the Suspect
Court records reveal that Abraham Feinbloom has a prior history with the legal system. In 2014, he was charged with multiple fraud offenses, but those charges were later dismissed, according to KESQ News. Four years later, in 2018, Feinbloom faced charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment, but those charges were also dismissed following a preliminary hearing. Melanie Roe, Feinbloom’s former defense attorney, stated that the district attorney dismissed the 2018 charges because they were unable to proceed with the case. Roe emphasized that, as with all criminal accusations, Feinbloom is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Chaya Tovar’s Public Appeal and Social Media Efforts
Throughout the search for her daughter, Chaya Tovar utilized social media, particularly Facebook, to raise awareness and solicit help from the public. She shared updates, posted videos from T’Neya’s social media accounts, and even shared a photograph of a U-Haul truck parked at Feinbloom’s residence, alleging that he was attempting to leave the area. Fox LA reported that Tovar’s Facebook posts provided crucial information to investigators. Her persistent efforts to keep her daughter’s case in the public eye and her direct engagement with law enforcement played a significant role in the investigation.
The use of social media in this case highlights the evolving role of citizen journalism and the power of online platforms in missing persons investigations. Tovar’s public appeals not only generated leads but also kept pressure on authorities to pursue the case diligently. The emotional toll on Tovar and her family is immeasurable, and her public advocacy serves as a testament to a mother’s unwavering determination to find answers.
The Salton Sea and Challenges to the Investigation
The discovery of T’Neya Tovar’s remains in the Salton Sea area presents unique challenges to investigators. The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, is facing an ecological crisis, with shrinking water levels and increasing salinity. This deterioration has led to exposed shorelines and the accumulation of debris, making search and recovery operations particularly difficult. The remote and desolate nature of the area further complicates the investigation.
The ongoing environmental issues at the Salton Sea have been a source of concern for years, and the case of T’Neya Tovar underscores the potential for the area to become a location for criminal activity. The lack of visibility and the challenging terrain can hinder law enforcement efforts, making it crucial to utilize advanced forensic techniques and collaborative partnerships to solve crimes in this region.
Next Steps in the Case
Abraham H. Feinbloom remains in custody at Imperial County Jail without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 4, 2026, where a date for a preliminary hearing will be set. The preliminary hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Prosecutors are seeking a conviction on the charge of murder, along with sentencing enhancements related to the use of a firearm. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to search for any additional remains of T’Neya Tovar.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime and the importance of thorough investigations. The community of Salton City and beyond is awaiting justice for T’Neya Tovar and her family.
We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office. Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
