DATE/TIME: March 13, 2025
INCIDENT: PC 29800(a)(1) - Felon/Addict Possession of Firearm
PC 246- Shooting in an Inhabited Dwelling
LOCATION: 72500 Block of Twentynine Palms Highway, Twentynine Palms
SUSPECT(S): Royce Roche, 39-year-old male, resident of Colorado
VICTIM 1: Motel 6
VICTIM 2: 77-year-old male, resident of San Diego
VICTIM 3: 81-year-old female, resident of San Diego
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, March 13, 2025, deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to the 72500 block of Twentynine Palms Highway to investigate a shooting in a motel room. Deputies learned a motel guest and sole occupant, identified as Royce Roche, had fired a gun inside his motel room, and the bullet traveled into an adjoining room occupied by two individuals visiting from San Diego.
Surveillance video showed Roche leaving the motel room with a towel wrapped around his left hand. At this time, investigators believe no one else was involved in the shooting. Roche fled the scene in a white, 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer bearing California license plate 9NJB143 before deputies arrived. Roche is currently wanted out of Colorado for a probation violation. He is likely armed with a firearm and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Roche's photo is being released and anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has information on the whereabouts of Roche is urged to come forward and contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit information online at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy L. La Rocco
Station: Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 202500320
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
