On January 23, 2024, 41-year-old Adrian Ochoa-Salgado was found deceased in a remote area near Adelanto, California. He was among six victims discovered at the scene, all of whom had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Four of the victims, including Ochoa-Salgado, were also partially burned.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call from one of the victims, Franklin Noel Bonilla, who reported being shot but was unable to provide his exact location.
Utilizing cell phone data, deputies located the crime scene near Lessing Avenue and Shadow Mountain Road. Upon arrival, they found five deceased individuals; a sixth victim was discovered nearby shortly thereafter.
Investigations revealed that the victims had arranged to meet at the location for a marijuana transaction. The suspects, identified as Toniel Baez-Duarte, 34, and his brother Mateo Baez-Duarte, 24, both residents of Apple Valley; along with brothers Jose Nicolas Hernandez-Sarabia, 33, and Jose Gregorio Hernandez-Sarabia, 34, both residents of Adelanto; and Jose Manuel Burgos Parra, 26, also of Adelanto, allegedly arrived at the scene and, for reasons still under investigation, opened fire on the victims. All five suspects were arrested on January 28, 2024, and booked for murder; they are being held without bail.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the massacre is related to cross-border drug trade activities, stating, "We can't comment on if this is cartel-related or not." The area where the murders took place is known for illicit marijuana incidents.
The identification of the victims took several weeks. Ochoa-Salgado, a resident of Llano, California, was the last to be identified. The other victims were identified as Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, 34; Franklin Noel Bonilla, 22; Kevin Dariel Bonilla, 25; Jose Ruelas-Calderon, 45; and Narcisco Sandoval, 47.
This tragic incident highlights the potential dangers associated with illegal marijuana operations and the violence that can ensue from disputes within such illicit activities. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
