On May 23, 2025, deputies from the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of shots fired at a residence on the 16000 block of Sequoia Street in Hesperia. Upon arrival, they discovered Blake Rutledge, a 27-year-old resident of Hesperia, who had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation revealed that several individuals fled the area shortly after the shooting. Despite an immediate area check, no suspects were located initially. The case was taken over by the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail.
Detectives identified Ermes Bustamante, a 37-year-old resident of Victorville, as the suspect through continued investigation. On May 30, 2025, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Bustamante was apprehended and arrested for murder under PC 187. He is currently held at the High Desert Detention Center with bail set at $1 million.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department encourages anyone with information about this incident to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be submitted via We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or wetip.com.
“Refer: Detective A. Duran,” “Station: Homicide Detail,” “Phone No. 909-890-4904,” “Case No. DR# 192502984 H# 2025-037.”
Shannon D. Dicus serves as Sheriff-Coroner for San Bernardino County.
