Robert James McDonald : “18-Year-Old Charged in Shooting Death of Marine in Twentynine Palms”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Twentynine Palms shooting death suspect
2. Marine killed in Twentynine Palms shooting incident

San Bernardino County prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old man this week for the fatal shooting of a U.S. Marine in Twentynine Palms and the alleged attempted murder of two other individuals. Rudy Garcia Jr. is accused of killing 35-year-old Robert James McDonald while he was in his car with his dog. McDonald, an active-duty gunnery sergeant stationed with the Marine Corps Logistic Operations Group, was shot multiple times during an attempted carjacking. Garcia was apprehended by sheriff’s deputies shortly after the incident and now faces multiple charges including murder, attempted carjacking, and assault with a firearm. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Det. Shawn Thurman.

Tragic Shooting Incident in Twentynine Palms

An 18-year-old man has been charged by San Bernardino County prosecutors for the fatal shooting of a U.S. Marine in the town of Twentynine Palms. The incident, which took place on Monday night, resulted in the tragic death of 35-year-old Robert James McDonald, an active-duty gunnery sergeant stationed with the Marine Corps Logistic Operations Group in Twentynine Palms.

Details of the Incident

The shooting occurred while McDonald was sitting in his car with his dog near a dog park on Foothill Drive. The suspect, identified as Rudy Garcia Jr., allegedly approached McDonald and fired his gun without warning during an attempted carjacking. McDonald was struck multiple times and attempted to drive away but ultimately lost control and crashed into another vehicle.

Authorities were alerted to the incident when sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a disturbance near the intersection of Old Dale Road and Alpine Avenue. Prior to the shooting, a neighbor had attempted to engage with a group of individuals causing a disturbance, but the situation escalated when some of the individuals became hostile. Garcia then fired several rounds from a gun towards the neighbor and another individual before fleeing the scene.

Arrest and Charges

Garcia was located by sheriff’s deputies near the scene of the shooting and taken into custody shortly after the incident. A handgun believed to have been used in the shooting was also recovered by the Sheriff’s Department. The district attorney’s office has charged Garcia with multiple offenses, including murder, attempted carjacking, attempted robbery, and assault with a firearm.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Shawn Thurman at (909) 890-4904. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers hotline at (800) 78CRIME or online at wetip.com.

Conclusion

This tragic incident has shocked the community of Twentynine Palms and left a family grieving the loss of a beloved Marine. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is grappling with the senseless violence that has impacted their town. The hope is that justice will be served for the victims and their families, bringing some closure to this devastating event.