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Police have said they believe six people were shot and killed after a planned meeting in the California desert.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, California, have said they are investigating an incident that led them to discover six bodies.
Writing on its Facebook page, the Sheriff’s Department explained the suspected murder scene was in the area of Lessing Avenue and Shadow Mountain Road in the unincorporated area of Adelanto.
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The police department also named the five individuals they believe are responsible for the killings.
In a shocking turn of events, one of the victims had managed to call the police before succumbing to his injuries.
“At approximately 8:16 p.m., Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call from Franklin Noel Bonilla. Franklin stated he had been shot but was unable to give his location,” the police statement read.
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“Sheriff’s Dispatch determined the call was made from the area of Lessing Avenue and Shadow Mountain Road in the unincorporated area of Adelanto.
“Sheriff’s personnel immediately responded and upon arrival, five deceased individuals were located. A short time later, Franklin was located deceased nearby.”
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Police also stated all the victims had been shot and noted that four of the victims also had burns.
Officers also said investigators determined the victims had arranged to meet at the location for a marijuana transaction.
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They also released the names of the five individuals they arrested in connection on January 28.
“Five subjects, identified as Toniel Baez-Duarte, Mateo Baez-Duarte, Jose Nicolas Hernandez Sarabia, Jose Gregorio Hernandez Sarabia, and Jose Manuel Burgos Parra, arrived at the location and for reasons still under investigation shot the six victims,” police said in the statement.
“Multiple search warrants were served during the investigation, several firearms and additional evidence was located.
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“On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the suspects were located and arrested. All suspects were booked for PC 187-Murder and are being held without bail.”
Police have also asked anyone with any information about the incident should contact the police, specifically Detective Michelle Del Rio, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904.
To find the victims, a police helicopter was launched, which also found a bullet-riddled SUV and minivan at about 8.15pm local time about 144km northeast of Los Angeles.
They also confiscated eight guns that are now being looked at to determine if they were the weapons used in the shooting.
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Police did refuse to comment regarding the incident was cartel or gang related but did attribute it to ‘organized crime.’
Gerrard Kaonga