2 RivCo Teens Arrested In Connection With Fatal Shooting Of Girl: Sheriff

MECCA, CA — An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl in Mecca, authorities announced on Friday.

A shooting was reported on March 25, 2025, in the 91800 block of Avenue 66, where a teen girl was found with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators have not released details about a possible motive behind the shooting.

During their investigation, authorities identified two suspects involved in the murder.

Christopher Balderrama, of Thermal, was charged with murder and booked into the Benoit Detention Center. A 17-year-old Mecca boy, who was not identified, was also charged with murder and booked into Indio Juvenile Hall, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Bail information for the two suspects was not immediately available.

Anyone with information related to the case was asked to call 951-955-2777.