DATE: June 19, 2026, at 12:49 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 187 – Murder
LOCATION: 6100 Block of Lupine Avenue, Twentynine Palms
SUSPECT(S): Bristen Banales, 30-year-old Resident of Twentynine Palms
VICTIM(S): Robert Murphy, 62-year-old Resident of Twentynine Palms (Deceased)
SUMMARY:
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, at about 8:32 p.m., deputies responded to a residence in the 6300 block of Lupine Avenue for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. Deputies located an adult male who was shot by an unknown male adult. The suspect fled the scene and was not located. The victim was taken to an area hospital, where he is expected to survive.
On Friday, June 19, 2026, at about 12:49 p.m., deputies responded to a residence in the 6100 block of Lupine Avenue for the report of a kidnapping. Through investigation, deputies learned the victim was kidnapped by Bristen Banales after Banales shot the victim from the previous night and Robert Murphy. Murphy was located at the residence with a single gunshot wound and pronounced deceased.
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail assumed the investigation.
An arrest warrant was obtained, and the Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division (SED) initiated a search for Banales. Banales was located and arrested within a short period of time. Banales was booked into the West Valley Detention Center for murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping. He remains in custody without bail.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
Refer: Detective L. Kerr or Sergeant N. Clark
Station: Homicide Detail
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. H2026-062 DR# 202600921
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
