A grisly scene unfolded in Twentynine Palms on Monday evening as a local park became the backdrop for a fatal shooting. At around 7:49 p.m., deputies were summoned to a disorderly situation where several individuals were reported to be drinking and inciting trouble near Alpine Road and Old Dale Road. According to official reports, Rudy Garcia, an 18-year-old resident, became confrontational when approached by a local resident and subsequently opened fire. The resident was fortunate to escape unscathed.

In the chaos that ensued, the suspect, Garcia, was said to have quickly to run away from the scene towards Knott Sky Park. Meanwhile, Robert James McDonald, age 35, was parked with his dog near El Sol Avenue and Foothill Drive when he became the unwarranted target of Garcia's violence. Garcia unleashed a hail of bullets into McDonald's car, forcing him to try desperately to flee, only to crash his vehicle shortly after. "Without provocation, Garcia fired his firearm into McDonald’s vehicle," as stated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department. McDonald succumbed to his gunshot wounds at the scene despite the deputies' efforts to save his life.

Garcia managed to escape on foot but didn't get far. Deputies apprehended him near the area, and the supposed murder weapon was also found. The suspect is now facing a murder charge and has been booked into the Morongo Basin Jail.

The investigation is currently in the hands of the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail. Detective Shawn Thurman, the lead investigator on the case, has made a public call for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with potential leads is to "contact Detective Shawn Thurman, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904," as the Sheriff-Coroner's statement urges. In a dire attempt to source more information, individuals can also submit tips anonymously through We-Tip online at www.wetip.com.