San Bernardino, California – An 18-year-old man was recently charged by San Bernardino County prosecutors in connection with the fatal shooting of a U.S. Marine in Twentynine Palms. The young man, identified as Rudy Garcia Jr., is also facing charges of attempted murder involving two other individuals, as reported by authorities.
The incident unfolded on Monday night when 35-year-old Marine, Robert James McDonald, was tragically shot and killed while sitting in his car with his dog. McDonald, an active-duty gunnery sergeant stationed with the Marine Corps Logistic Operations Group in Twentynine Palms, was the victim of the alleged attack.
According to officials, Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a disturbance involving a group of individuals near an intersection in the area. A neighbor attempted to intervene, but the situation escalated quickly. Garcia, one of the suspects, reportedly fired several shots towards the neighbor and another individual before fleeing the scene.
Garcia then encountered McDonald, who was parked near a dog park on Foothill Drive. Without warning, Garcia fired his weapon at McDonald’s vehicle in an apparent attempted carjacking. Despite attempting to drive away, McDonald was struck multiple times and ultimately crashed into another vehicle.
Law enforcement arrived at the scene and provided medical assistance to McDonald, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries. The occupants of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision.
Garcia was apprehended near the shooting scene shortly after the incident and taken into custody by Sheriff’s deputies. A handgun believed to have been used in the shooting was also recovered in the area.
The district attorney’s office has since charged Garcia with multiple offenses, including murder, attempted carjacking, and two counts of attempted murder. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Individuals who may have details regarding the case are encouraged to contact Detective Shawn Thurman at (909) 890-4904. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through (800) 78CRIME or wetip.com.