Two Felons Charged With Murder of Johnny Sanchez in Whitewater Shooting

Accident – death – Obituary News : Whitewater, CA — Two men, Daniel Tomas Pacheco, 40, of Whitewater, and Juan Reyes, 48, of Palm Springs, have been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a man found dead outside a vehicle in Whitewater last week. The suspects also face additional charges of being convicted felons and narcotic addicts in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, Pacheco has an added sentence-enhancing allegation of using a firearm, while Reyes is accused of discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury. Pacheco was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday afternoon at the Larson Justice Center, while an arraignment date for Reyes has yet to be set.

The incident began when deputies responded to a residence on Country View Road after receiving a report of a dead person in a vehicle in the driveway. The deceased male, identified as 32-year-old Johnny Sanchez of Desert Hot Springs, was found near a parked vehicle on the property. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson, Sgt. Deirdre Vickers, stated that upon arrival, deputies secured the scene and initiated an investigation.

The Central Homicide Unit took over the investigation and determined that Sanchez had been shot at the property. Pacheco and Reyes were subsequently identified as suspects in the case. Pacheco was initially detained at the property and later arrested on Thursday, while Reyes was apprehended on the same day in Palm Springs.

Reyes was arrested by members of the Coachella Valley Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit in the 35000 block of East Palm Canyon Road. Both suspects were booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio, with Reyes being held without bail and Pacheco on $1 million bail, according to inmate records.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Investigator Brown at the Palm Desert sheriff’s station or Investigator Munoz with the Central Homicide Unit.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the presence of convicted felons possessing firearms. The charges against Pacheco and Reyes serve as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals with criminal backgrounds. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to investigate and prosecute such cases in order to maintain public safety.

It is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information that may aid in solving crimes. The cooperation of the community is instrumental in preventing and solving criminal acts.

As the legal proceedings progress, the court will determine the fate of Pacheco and Reyes. The charges they face carry significant penalties, including potential lengthy prison sentences. The outcome of this case will serve as a testament to the justice system’s ability to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

In the wake of this tragic incident, the community of Whitewater mourns the loss of Johnny Sanchez, who has been taken away too soon. The impact of his death will be felt by his loved ones and the community as a whole. It is crucial for society to work together to prevent such acts of violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.

The investigation into this case is ongoing, and further details may emerge as law enforcement continues to gather evidence. The authorities are determined to bring justice to the victim and their family, as well as the community affected by this senseless act of violence.

As news of this incident spreads, it serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and the need for individuals to come forward with any information they may have. By working together, law enforcement and the community can create a safer environment for everyone.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information related to this case to contact Investigator Brown at 760-836-1600 or Investigator Munoz with the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777..