Desert Massacre: Public's Help Sought In ID'ing Last Remaining Victim

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INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Investigators were looking to the public Thursday evening for help in identifying the last of six men found shot to death last month in the Mojave Desert.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department detectives believe the victim and his associates were killed over a marijuana dispute. Their bodies were discovered shortly after 8 p.m. Jan. 23 near Lessing Avenue and Shadow Mountain Road in unincorporated Adelanto. Four of the victims were partially burned, according to the sheriff's department.

The last remaining unidentified victim is described as Hispanic, between 30 and 60 years old, 5-feet-5-inches tall, weighing 142 pounds with medium length, curly black hair and brown eyes. He had a large surgical scar on his right forearm that extended to the upper arm; a surgical plate in the right forearm; a large linear scar on his right elbow and forearm; an irregular shaped scar on the left forearm/elbow area; and a linear scar on his right thigh. He also had a tattoo of the word "Gio" or "Gia" on the left side of his chest.

Four other victims were previously identified as:

• Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, 34, of Adelanto
• Franklin Noel Bonilla, 22, of Hesperia
• Kevin Dariel Bonilla, 25, of Hesperia
• Jose Ruelas-Calderon, 45, of El Mirage

The fifth victim was identified but his name, age and place of residence were not released pending notification of next of kin.

During a Jan. 29 press conference, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus announced arrests in the case and told reporters that the area where the victims were found is known for illicit drugs. Investigators believe the victims arranged to meet at the location for a marijuana transaction.

“For all intents and purposes, it looks like illicit marijuana was the driving force behind these murders and that’s all we really know at this point," Dicus said.

Further information about a motive was not disclosed.

In total, five suspects were arrested in the case:

• Toniel Baez-Duarte, 34, of Apple Valley
• Mateo Baez-Duarte, 24, of Apple Valley
• Jose Nicolas Hernandez-Sarabia, 33, of Adelanto
• Jose Gregorio Hernandez-Sarabia, 34, of Adelanto
• Jose Manuel Burgos Parra, 26, of Adelanto

Multiple search warrants were served during an investigation into the killings and several firearms along with other evidence were found, according to the sheriff's department.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Michelle Del Rio, Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904, or Deputy Coroner Carol Fostore at 909-387-2978. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.