San Bernardino detectives are once again asking the public for help in solving the killing of Mario Brooks, whose burned body was found in a vacant field behind a row of homes near Donald and Duffy streets. The discovery was made on July 22, 2024, after firefighters knocked down a blaze behind the houses and officers found charred remains in the dirt field. Authorities say Brooks, a man in his early 40s, died of blunt force trauma, and the case remains unsolved as of the renewed plea on March 29, 2026.
Detectives Renew Outreach and Public Plea
Detective Mark Alvarez is again urging anyone who knows anything about what happened to come forward. "Though the incident happened almost two years ago, we are requesting your help in this unsolved homicide," he said. According to CBS Los Angeles, police released the latest appeal on social media and have not named a suspect or released a possible motive. Investigators stressed that even minor details could be critical to moving the stalled investigation forward.
How the Body Was Discovered
On the night of July 22, 2024, firefighters responded to a report of a fire behind the last house in a row near Donald and Duffy streets and put out the flames. Only after the blaze was extinguished did officers spot the remains in the dirt field, ABC7 reported. Neighbors later told reporters they did not realize anything was seriously wrong until investigators began going door to door looking for surveillance video. The San Bernardino Police Department's homicide unit ultimately took over the investigation.
Victim Identified and Last Known Movements
Police later identified the victim as Mario Brooks, described by detectives as a man in his early 40s who was originally from Florida, had relocated to Maryland, and was temporarily working in California to support his family. Investigators told CBS Los Angeles that an autopsy determined blunt-force trauma as the cause of death. They also said Brooks was last seen at the Candlewood Suites in Loma Linda, roughly 11 miles from where his body was found. Detectives asked anyone with information about his movements or associates to contact Detective Mark Alvarez at (909) 998-3385.
Neighborhood on Edge as Detectives Seek Tips
Residents in the area told reporters the discovery shook people living along the block, and that investigators canvassed homes for security footage in the days after the fire, ABC7 reported. Police have not released any information about a possible suspect or motive and say detectives continue to review leads and evidence gathered from the original scene. Officials have emphasized that even a partial observation, such as a car leaving the area, unusual foot traffic, or video from a doorbell or security cameras, could help the case.
How the Public Can Help and What Comes Next
San Bernardino detectives say they will keep following up on leads and re-examining evidence as new tips arrive, and they plan to continue updating the community through official channels. The department's renewed outreach is described as part of a broader push to resolve cold or stalled homicide cases and to encourage reluctant witnesses to speak up without fear. Anyone with information related to the killing of Mario Brooks is urged to call Detective Alvarez at the number provided; investigators say that even a small tip can be the detail that finally breaks a long-unsolved case.
