Born on September 24, 1959, in Moreno Valley, California, Figueroa loved spending time outside as a child. He enjoyed exploring nature more than staying indoors with his parents.

Even as an adult, Figueroa kept a childlike mindset. He liked to hang out with kids who were much younger than him, but it was always in a friendly, non-sexual way. He found joy in their company and simple activities.

Figueroa had a strong interest in military clothing and enjoyed wearing it. He also loved hunting in the woods and often slept outdoors, finding peace and adventure in nature.

Figueroa committed his first murder on May 13, 1986. He was wandering with a rifle in a rural area of Aguanga when he saw Reynold Johnson, a 53-year-old man, doing yard work outside his home. Figueroa shot Johnson, killing him instantly.

The next night, on May 14, Figueroa was lurking around the property of Thomas Breedlove. When Thomas noticed him, he went outside to check. Figueroa pointed a rifle at him. Thomas' son, David, saw what was happening and rushed out with his own gun, shooting at Figueroa and causing him to flee.

On the morning of May 15, Thomas and David followed the footprints left by Figueroa. They found a backpack deep in the woods that contained a Bible quote: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."

On May 29, Figueroa noticed 19-year-old Raymond Webber following him in a pick-up truck on Palomar Mountain. Figueroa shot Webber in the head with his shotgun, killing him instantly. Webber was later found to be on his way to work.

On June 8, Robert Jimenez saw a man in green military clothing with a rifle near his property in Indio. The man, who was Figueroa, waved and smiled before pointing the rifle at Jimenez. Jimenez took cover, but Figueroa shot him twice, injuring him. Jimenez managed to escape to a neighbor's house.

On June 17, Mary Rose Lengerich, 72 years old, was last seen walking her dog in Redlands. Figueroa, wearing military-style clothing and carrying a rifle, approached and shot her. He then fled the scene. Two construction workers saw him and later reported it to the authorities.

The discovery of three bodies within a month caused fear in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Both Thomas Breedlove and Robert Jimenez reported their encounters with a man in military clothes carrying a rifle. Witnesses also claimed to have seen this man. Authorities organized search dogs and helicopters to find the killer, nicknamed "The Backwoods Sniper." 

During the investigation, Figueroa was named a suspect and was connected to the killings. Witnesses identified him from his picture. After a 12-day search, Figueroa was found hiding under a flood-control channel and was arrested without incident.

After his arrest, Figueroa was booked into Riverside County Jail and charged with attempted murder for shooting Robert Jimenez. He was also charged with three counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. Figueroa admitted to the murders but claimed he killed Raymond Webber in self-defense after being followed for 25 miles. To avoid a death sentence, Figueroa pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to 66 years to life in prison in 1987. He died on December 20, 1998.