California Authorities Link Fatal Shooting of Six Men in Mojave Desert to Marijuana Transaction

California authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that left six men dead in a remote area of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County. Law enforcement officials believe that the incident was the result of a dispute over a marijuana transaction. Five individuals, all males between the ages of 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the case and may face homicide charges.

Investigation Points to Marijuana-Related Dispute

During a news conference on Monday evening, Sgt. Michael Warrick of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department stated that evidence suggests a disagreement related to marijuana led to the violent incident. The department received a 911 call reporting the shooting on January 23, 2024, made by Franklin Noel Bonilla, who claimed to have been shot.

Deputies traced the call to an unincorporated area of Adelanto, located at the intersection of Lessing Avenue and Shadow Mountain Road, approximately 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of five individuals. Two of the victims were identified as Baldemar Mondragon-Albarran, 34, from Adelanto, and Kevin Dariel Bonilla, 25, from Hesperia. Additionally, Franklin, 22, from Hesperia, was found deceased near the two identified victims. The identities of the other three victims have not been released to the public.

Authorities later determined that all six individuals had suffered gunshot wounds, with four of the victims displaying burn injuries. Based on extensive investigation, it was revealed that the victims had arranged to meet at the location for a marijuana transaction. While the level of violence at the scene raised suspicions of cartel involvement, investigators have not yet confirmed any cartel connections. In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officials seized eight firearms.

Arrests Made Following Search Warrants

Following the shooting, law enforcement officers executed search warrants in the Adelanto and Apple Valley areas of San Bernardino County, as well as the Pinyon Hills neighborhood in Los Angeles County. All suspects believed to be involved in the crime are now in custody. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus expressed confidence in the investigation, stating that strong leads were quickly identified, leading to the apprehension of the individuals responsible.

The incident highlights the ongoing presence of illegal marijuana operations in the region, despite the legalization of recreational marijuana in California in 2016. The state has become the largest legal cannabis marketplace globally, generating billions in annual sales. However, illegal marijuana sales persist due to various factors.

Sheriff Dicus emphasized that the discovery of bodies related to illegal marijuana cultivation is not uncommon in the area. While the recent incident is not considered an anomaly, the number of victims involved is particularly notable.

@ 2024 HNGN. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.