An investigation is underway following a fatal incident in Thousand Palms that was initially reported as a hit-and-run but has since been determined to be intentional. According to a statement released by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the scene at the intersection of Varner Road and Ramon Road on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at approximately 1:29 p.m.
The California Highway Patrol were the first to respond to the situation and upon further investigation, discerned the incident's deliberate nature. As a result, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office took over the ongoing homicide investigation. The area was cordoned off, restricting access to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic as detectives began piecing together the events leading to the victim's death.
Riverside County Sheriff's officials have identified the victim as 48-year-old Robert Ernest Rodriguez, a Desert Hot Springs resident. Following an intensive investigation, 30-year-old Palm Desert local, Erick Robert Cowdery, was arrested in connection with Rodriguez's death. Cowdery is currently being held at the John Benoit Detention Center on a charge of murder.
The Central Homicide Unit is collaborating with the Coroner’s Bureau in this ongoing investigation, while the Riverside County Coroner's Office has informed the victim’s next of kin about the tragic event. While significant strides have been made in the case, the Sheriff's Office clarified that no further information is currently available for release. They urge anyone with potentially relevant information to reach out to Investigator Cline at the Central Homicide Unit or Investigator Munoz at the Palm Desert Station.
Authorities are keen to hear from witnesses or those with knowledge that may shed light on this crime. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office asks individuals with information to contact them through the provided numbers, and they also direct media inquiries to their Media Information Bureau.
