San Bernardino, California – The bodies of six victims were found in the Mojave Desert last month, with two of the victims only being recently identified by authorities as Adrian Ochoa-Salgado, 41, and Narcisco Sandoval, 47. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department sought the public’s help in identifying the victims, ultimately leading to the identification of Ochoa-Salgado. The other four victims were also identified as Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, Franklin Noel Bonilla, Kevin Dariel Bonilla, and Jose Ruelas-Calderon. The discovery of the bodies came after a 911 call reporting a shooting, which led investigators to believe that the incident may have stemmed from a dispute over marijuana.
Authorities believe that all the victims were shot to death, with four of the bodies being partially burned together. Five suspects have been arrested and are currently facing multiple charges, including six counts of murder. The investigation revealed a significant illegal marijuana operation in the area, with the Sheriff’s department serving numerous search warrants and recovering large quantities of marijuana and cannabis concentrate. The bodies were found in an area known for black market cannabis, indicating a potential connection to the illegal marijuana trade.
The identification of the final victims sheds light on the tragic incident, with the impact felt both locally and internationally. Jose Ruelas-Calderon, one of the victims, left behind eight children in Mexico, further underscoring the devastating consequences of the violence. The arrests of the suspects also reflect the efforts by law enforcement to address the illegal marijuana trade and its associated criminal activities. The case continues to unfold as authorities work to seek justice for the victims and their families.