On the evening of May 6, 2023, 24-year-old Johnnie Rocky Escalante was fatally shot in Upland, California, during a cannabis delivery. The shooting happened around 9:40 p.m. in the 1300 block of East San Bernardino Road after Escalante became involved in a physical altercation during the delivery. He was shot, managed to drive away, then lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree; emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

Upland Police Department identified and arrested three suspects who lived in the apartment complex where the incident occurred: 18-year-old Anthony Tolesmiller, 21-year-old Michael Tolesmiller, and 19-year-old Brazjon Nolan. Authorities said the motive was robbery, with the suspects allegedly intending to steal cannabis products and any proceeds Escalante had with him.

Escalante, a Claremont resident described as kindhearted, was mourned by family and friends. A visitation was held June 2, 2023, at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary in Riverside, followed by a committal service at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park. A GoFundMe was set up to support his family.

If anyone witnessed the delivery or the altercation that night, or has information about what happened, please come forward.