On Sunday, five suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of six individuals in a remote area of the California desert. Authorities believe the incident resulted from a drug deal, specifically an "illicit marijuana" sale. The victims had reportedly arranged to meet in the Mojave Desert for the transaction, leading to a violent confrontation. Four of the victims were discovered in a partially burned vehicle, while another was found in a second vehicle. The sixth victim was located a short distance away. The crime scene exhibited signs of gunshot damage to one of the vehicles.
The discovery was made after a victim called authorities last Tuesday, reporting that he had been shot. San Bernardino Sheriff Shannon Dicus noted an ongoing issue with illegal marijuana farms in the area and suggested a connection to organized crime. The arrested suspects include Toniel Baez-Duarte, 34, and Mateo Baez-Duarte, 24, both from Apple Valley, as well as Jose Nicolas, 33, Jose Gregorio, 34, and Jose Manuel Burgos Parra, 26, all of Adelanto. The suspects were apprehended on a compound, and eight firearms were recovered.
They are facing murder charges and are held without bail while prosecutors review the case. The victims identified so far include Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, 34, Franklin Noel Bonilla, 22, and 25-year-old Kevin Dariel Bonilla. One victim, a 45-year-old man, remains unidentified pending family notification. Authorities are working to determine the identities of the remaining two victims.
