East SBV Times

On May 20, 2024, at approximately 7:49 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station were alerted to a disturbance involving four to five individuals drinking alcohol near Alpine Road and Old Dale Road in Twentynine Palms. A local resident who confronted the group reported that one of the individuals, identified as Rudy Garcia, became confrontational and fired several shots. The resident was not injured.

Garcia then fled towards Knott Sky Park on El Sol Avenue. The other individuals dispersed in different directions and were not seen again. Garcia approached a parked vehicle occupied by Robert James McDonald and his dog near the intersection of El Sol Avenue and Foothill Drive. Without provocation, Garcia fired into McDonald's vehicle. McDonald attempted to drive away but lost control of his vehicle and collided with another parked car near Knott Sky Park. Deputies arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but McDonald succumbed to his injuries. The occupants of the parked car sustained minor injuries.

Garcia fled on foot but was soon located by deputies and taken into custody. A handgun believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered nearby. Garcia was arrested for PC 187-Murder and booked at the Morongo Basin jail.

The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, is conducting an investigation into the incident.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Shawn Thurman at (909) 890-4904 or remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

Refer: Detective Shawn Thurman or Sergeant Justin Giles

Station: Specialized Investigations Division

Phone No.: (909) 890-4904

Case No.: DR#202400732 / H#2024-45

Shannon D. Dicus, Sheriff-Coroner

San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department