UPDATE: Needles Outstanding Murder Suspect Located in Big River and Arrested on Multiple Charges
DATE: July 23, 2025
INCIDENT: Homicide / Attempted Murder Investigation
LOCATION: 1900 block of Erin Drive, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Xavier Scott, 20-year-old Resident of Needles
VICTIM(S): William Garhartt, 52-year-old resident of Needles (Deceased)
Confidential – 23-year-old Male Resident of Needles
Confidential – 21-year-old Female Resident of Needles
Confidential – 22-year-old Female Resident of Needles
UPDATE: September 26, 2025, at 7:50 p.m.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the District Attorney filed murder and multiple felony charges on the suspect, Xavier Scott. After the murder, Scott fled and was not immediately located.
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Xavier Scott was arrested in Big River, California, and was booked at the High Desert Detention Center, where he remains on $6,000,000 bail.
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SUMMARY: On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 6:40 a.m., Needles Station deputies responded to the 1900 block of Erin Drive, for a report of shots fired. Deputies arrived and found four people suffering from gunshot wounds. A male inside the apartment, identified as William Garhartt, was pronounced deceased at the scene by San Bernardino County Fire Department personnel. A male and two females were transported to hospitals for treatment.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division-Homicide Detail, responded and assumed the investigation. During the continued investigation, the suspect was identified as Xavier Scott of Needles. Scott has not been located as of this time. Investigators are releasing a photo of Scott to aid in his location and apprehension.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Xavier Scott or about this case is asked to contact Detective Charles Lopez, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Detective Charles Lopez or Sergeant Gerardo Moreno
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. (909) 890-4904
Case No. DR#212500543 / H#2025-060
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700