On the morning of Monday, July 7, 2025, a report of an assault with a deadly weapon summoned deputies to a residence on Avenue 51 in Coachella. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office revealed in a statement that an adult male was found with a gunshot wound. Attempts were made to stabilize the victim, later identified as Gustavo Melendrez-Hernandez, until paramedics transported him to a local hospital.
During the initial investigation, responding deputies identified and arrested Coachella resident Cecilio Nando-Gonzalez, 28, at the scene of the crime. Held at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, Nando-Gonzalez, was initially booked for attempted murder.
Details emerged from the investigation that on Thursday, July 10, Melendrez-Hernandez had died as a result of his injuries. The Central Homicide Unit of the Riverside County Sheriff's Office has since stepped in.Their statement communicated the rise in charges against Nando-Gonzalez, now accused of murder.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with the authorities stating that no additional suspects are being sought. Since the situation is still developing, the Sheriff's Office has indicated that it will not release further information at this stage. Anyone with knowledge pertinent to the incident is urged to contact either the Central Homicide Unit Master Investigator Deanne at (951) 955-2777 or Thermal Station Investigator Burgie at (760) 863-8990, for their contributions could be invaluable.
Inquiries from the media regarding the incident should be directed to the Media Information Bureau, as per the Sheriff's Office protocols.
