On January 23, 2024, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded to the rural unincorporated desert area of Adelanto after a 911 call from Franklin Bonilla, stating he had been shot. Upon arrival, five deceased individuals were located and a short time later, Mr. Bonilla was found deceased nearby. Detectives with San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department Specialized Investigations Division Homicide Detail assumed the investigation and identified five suspects. Jose Nicolas Hernandez-Sarabia, Toniel Beaz-Duarte, Mateo Beaz-Duarte, Jose Gregorgio Hernandez Sarabia, and Jose Manuel Burgos Parra.
All suspects were taken into custody Sunday, January 28, 2024.
On January 30, 2024, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Unit reviewed the investigation and based on the evidence to date, have filed the following charges.
Defendant Toniel Baez-Duarte (35)
· Six felony counts of PC187 – Murder, with special circumstance allegation of PC190.2 – Multiple Murders.
· Six felony counts of PC211 – Robbery.
Defendant Jose Nicolas Hernandez -Sarabia (33)
· Six felony counts of PC187 – Murder, with special circumstance allegation of PC190.2 – Multiple Murders
· Six felony counts of PC211 – Robbery
· Six special allegations of 12022.53 (b)-(d) - Use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
Defendant Mateo Beaz Duarte (24)
· Six felony counts of PC187 – Murder, with special circumstance allegation of PC190.2 – Multiple Murders
· Six felony counts of PC211 – Robbery
· Six special allegations of 12022.53 (b)-(d) - Use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
Defendant Jose Gregorgio Hernandez-Sarabia (36)
· Six felony counts of PC187 – Murder, with special circumstance allegation of PC190.2 – Multiple Murders
· Six felony counts of PC211 – Robbery
· Six special allegations of 12022.53 (b)-(d) - Use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
Jose Manuel Burgos Parra(26)
· Six felony counts of PC187 – Murder, with special circumstance allegation of PC190.2 – Multiple Murders
· Six felony counts of PC211 – Robbery
· Six special allegations of 12022.53 (b)-(d) - Use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
“This mass murder, done in a dark secluded desert, clearly illuminates the violence and crime that exists as a direct consequence of illegal marijuana operations,” said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson. “I commend the Sheriff’s investigative team for their rapid and thorough work and send my condolences to the families of the victims.”
As this is an ongoing investigation, San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Unit may file additional charges upon review of any forthcoming evidence.
All defendants were arraigned on Tuesday January 30th, at the Victorville Courthouse, Dept. V2.