Deputies from the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of shots fired at a residence on Sequoia Street in Hesperia on May 23, 2025. Upon arrival, they found Blake Rutledge, 27, deceased from gunshot wounds.
According to investigators, several individuals left the scene shortly after the incident. Despite an area search, no suspects were initially located. The case was taken over by the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail.
On May 30, detectives identified Ermes Bustamante, 37, of Victorville as a suspect. Bustamante was arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center with bail set at $1 million.
A second suspect, Jovany Bahena, 35, of Apple Valley was later identified. On August 29, investigators arrested Bahena at a residence in Apple Valley. He has been booked for murder and remains in custody.
Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus stated: “On Friday, May 23, 2025, deputies from the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station responded to a residence in the 16000 block of Sequoia Street for a report of shots fired. When deputies arrived and entered the residence, they located a male, identified as Blake Rutledge. Rutledge had been shot and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information about this case to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904 or leave anonymous tips through We-Tip at wetip.com or by calling 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).
