Full Notification

DATE/TIME: May 20, 2024, 7:49 p.m.

INCIDENT: Homicide Investigation

LOCATION: El Sol Avenue and Foothill Drive, Twentynine Palms

SUSPECT(S): Rudy Garcia, 18-year-old Resident of Twentynine Palms

VICTIM(S): Robert James McDonald, 35-year-old Resident of Twentynine Palms


SUMMARY: On Monday, May 20, 2024, at approximately 7:49 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station were notified approximately four to five subjects were drinking alcohol and causing a disturbance in the area of Alpine Road and Old Dale Road. A local resident spoke with the subjects who became confrontational. A short time later, one of the subjects, identified by investigators as Rudy Garcia, fired several shots from a firearm toward the resident. The resident was not hit by the gunfire. 

Garcia ran away from the reporting party toward the area of Knott Sky Park on El Sol Avenue, near Sullivan Road. The additional subjects left in a different direction and were not seen again. Garcia approached a parked but occupied vehicle near a dog park at the intersection of El Sol Avenue and Foothill Drive. The vehicle was occupied by Robert James McDonald and his dog. Without provocation, Garcia fired his firearm into McDonald’s vehicle. McDonald was struck by the gunfire but attempted to drive away from the area. Moments later, McDonald’s lost control of his vehicle and collided into an occupied vehicle, parked along the street near Knott Sky Park. Deputies arrived and attempted life saving measures, however, McDonald succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The occupants of the parked car sustained minor injuries.

Garcia fled the scene on foot but was located nearby by deputies and taken into custody. A handgun believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered in the area where Garcia was located. Garcia was arrested for PC 187-Murder and booked at the Morongo Basin jail.

The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, responded and are conducting the investigation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Shawn Thurman, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

Refer: Detective Shawn Thurman or Sergeant Justin Giles

Station: Specialized Investigations Division

Phone No. (909) 890-4904

Case No. DR#202400732 / H#2024-45

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department