Grisly Cold Case Killing Haunts Inland Empire, Leads Still Sought

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — Nearly two years ago, a Maryland man named Mario Brooks was in the Inland Empire, working locally to provide for his family back home.

Described as being in his early 40s and originally from Florida, Brooks was staying at the Candlewood Suites, 10372 Richardson Street in Loma Linda, according to San Bernardino Police Department Homicide Det. M. Alvarez.

But on July 22, 2024, Brooks' body was found badly burned in a fire in San Bernardino that was likely set by his killer(s), and Alvarez is still seeking answers.

The investigation into Brooks' slaying began at about 10:30 p.m. that night when Cal Fire/San Bernardino County firefighters were called about a vegetation blaze burning in a vacant area near a residential neighborhood at Duffy and Donald streets.

Once crews extinguished the flames, Brooks' body was discovered in the charred field. While his corpse was severely burned, an autopsy report showed "blunt force trauma" killed Brooks, and his death was ruled a homicide, Alvarez said.

For nearly two years, the slaying has remained unsolved.

In an effort to draw attention to the cold case, Alvarez posted a video on social media this week, pleading with the public for any information that will shed more light on what happened to Brooks.

Anyone with information about the Brooks case is asked to contact Alvarez at 909-998-3385.