Arrested Hesperia Man Suspected of Fatally Shooting Omar Lopez-Barraza and Dumping Body in High Desert

Accident – death – Obituary News : Hesperia Resident Arrested for Alleged Murder and Body Disposal in the High Desert

A Hesperia resident has been taken into custody on suspicion of fatally shooting a man and subsequently dumping his body in a remote area of the High Desert. The incident, which occurred in June, has recently come to light with the identification of Everardo Lopez-Vega, a 29-year-old individual from Hesperia, as the prime suspect in the shooting death of Omar Lopez-Barraza, a 30-year-old Apple Valley resident, according to reports from San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials.

Following the identification of Lopez-Vega as the suspect, law enforcement authorities swiftly obtained a warrant for his arrest. On Monday, December 4, investigators received notification that the suspect had been detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Arizona, ultimately leading to his apprehension.

Sheriff’s officials have confirmed that Lopez-Vega will be extradited to San Bernardino County, where he will face charges of murder. The booking process is anticipated to commence once he is back within the county’s jurisdiction.

Providing a detailed account of the incident, Sheriff’s officials shared that on June 25, deputies from the Victor Valley sheriff’s station responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call in the 21600 block of Roundup Way in unincorporated Apple Valley. Upon their arrival, deputies were informed that a man had been shot and robbed at the location before being transported to an unknown desert area and abandoned.

Promptly, detectives from the sheriff’s specialized investigations division – homicide detail assumed control of the case, delving deeper into the circumstances surrounding the violent episode. The investigation took a significant turn when, at approximately 5:25 p.m., a deputy from the Morongo Basin sheriff’s station was alerted by an off-road vehicle rider who had stumbled upon a deceased man near Landers’ Old Woman Springs Road. Landers, located approximately 55 miles southeast of the Apple Valley crime scene, became a focal point in the investigation.

Investigators have since confirmed that the deceased individual found in Landers was indeed the shooting victim, later identified as Lopez-Barraza. The discovery shed light on the heinous crime and intensified efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice.

In light of this development, authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Detective Eric Ogaz from the specialized investigations division can be reached at 909-890-4904. Alternatively, individuals can choose to remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or visiting wetip.com.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of community cooperation in the pursuit of justice. Law enforcement agencies are relying on the assistance and vigilance of residents to help maintain the safety and security of our neighborhoods. Together, we can ensure that such acts of violence are swiftly resolved and the perpetrators held accountable for their actions..