Full Notification

DATE/TIME: September 17, 2024 / 7:49 p.m.

INCIDENT: PC 187 - Murder, PC 664/187 - Attempted Murder

LOCATION:  3300 block of Bluegrass Avenue, Unincorporated County area of the Morongo Basin

SUSPECT(S): Derick Laija, 34-year-old Male Resident of the City of Ontario

VICTIM(S): Hadgu Abraham, 63-year-old Male Resident of San Bernardino County
                   Freweiny Abraham, 61-year-old Female Resident of San Bernardino County
                   Asmerom Abraham, 31-year-old Male Resident of San Bernardino County 


SUMMARY: On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 7:49 p.m., Morongo Station deputies were dispatched to an “unknown problem” call for service near the 3300 block of Bluegrass Avenue in the unincorporated county area of the Morongo Basin. Deputies detained Derick Laija for the assault of three family members: Hadgu Abraham, Freweiny Abraham, and Asmerom Abraham.

Deputies located the victim, Hadgu Abraham, outside the residence with blunt force trauma injuries to his head. Hadgu later succumbed to his injuries. Freweiny Abraham, Hadgu’s wife, and Asmerom Abraham, Hadgu’s son, were also injured during Laija’s assault. Freweiny sustained injuries to her head and was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment. Asmerom sustained injuries to his head, upper body, and lower body. He was also treated at a nearby hospital for his injuries. A bat was recovered from the scene.

The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division-Homicide Detail responded and assumed the investigation. Laija and his friend had rented a short-term rental near the incident location. Laija was believed to be under the influence of a controlled substance, psilocybin mushrooms, and was demonstrating erratic behavior. Laija entered the Abraham’s property and attempted to steal their vehicle. When they confronted him, it appears Laija attacked the Abrahams unprovoked. The assault resulted in Hadgu’s death and great bodily injuries to Asmerom and Freweiny.

Laija was arrested for P.C. 187 and P.C. 664/187.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Detective Francisco Demara with the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

Refer: Detective F. Demara or Sergeant N. Craig

Station: Specialized Investigations Division

Phone No. (909) 890-4904

Case No. DR# 092401587 / H# 2024-095

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