On January 8, 2026, detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of Robert James Smith, a 40-year-old resident of Adelanto. The suspects, Robert Wilkerson, 24, and Natosha Sutton, 41, both residents of Victorville, were taken into custody after an extensive investigation. They have been booked into the High Desert Detention Center and are being held without bail.
The incident occurred on May 30, 2025. At approximately 6:19 a.m., deputies from the Victorville Police Department responded to a call about a man down at Village Park in Victorville. Upon arrival, deputies found Smith lying on the ground near his vehicle with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division Homicide Detail took over the investigation shortly after the initial response. “The identity of the suspect(s) is unknown at this time. Additional information will be released when available,” stated officials early in the case.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department continues to seek information related to this case and encourages anyone with knowledge to contact Detective Shane Crowl at (909) 890-4904 or provide anonymous tips through We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Shannon D. Dicus serves as sheriff-coroner for the department according to its official website. The department provides law enforcement services across San Bernardino County—the largest county by area in the contiguous United States—and operates specialized divisions such as homicide investigations and patrol units (official website). It supports more than 2.1 million residents through fifteen patrol stations and other facilities including a dispatch center (official website).
The investigation remains ongoing.
