Gunnery Sergeant Robert James McDonald, 35, was fatally shot on May 20, 2024, in Twentynine Palms, California. McDonald, an active-duty Marine assigned to the Marine Corps Logistics Operations Group in Twentynine Palms, was sitting in his vehicle near a local dog park with his dog when an unprovoked shooter approached and fired into the car. McDonald was able to drive away but collided with a parked car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting followed an earlier disturbance near Alpine Road and Old Dale Road. Deputies say an 18-year-old identified as Rudy Garcia fired shots during a confrontation with a resident, then fled toward Knott Sky Park and shot into McDonald’s parked vehicle. Garcia was apprehended nearby; a handgun believed to be the weapon was recovered. He was charged with multiple felonies including murder, attempted murder and several firearm enhancements, and pleaded not guilty at arraignment.

McDonald was a father of two and coached youth flag football; his death deeply affected his family and the Twentynine Palms community. If anyone has information about the incident or knew McDonald, please share what you can with investigators.