Suspects plead not guilty to murder in Indio shooting
Luis Avila
Update 11/26/25
Jonathan Rios Franco was arraigned Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
He is scheduled to return to court on December 8.
Original Report 11/25/25
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Two suspects in a deadly shooting last week in Indio were officially charged with murder.
Zachary Ashton Hamrick, 19, and Jonathan Rios Franco, 19, were arrested in connection with the murder of Armando Mendoza Sr., 33, on Thursday, as well as the attempted murder of another man, identified in court documents as Armando Hurtado Jr., and a minor. Authorities confirmed it was a gang-related shooting.
Two other suspects were also arrested, but have not been charged as of Tuesday.
Hamrick was arraigned Tursday at the Larson Justice Center, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Franco is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.
According to Indio police, a white SUV stopped in front of a residence around 2:15 p.m. Thursday in the 83000 block of Quail Avenue. Individuals inside the vehicle called over to Mendoza, and another man, and as they approached the vehicle gunshots were fired, police said.
Mendoza was struck by gunfire, while the other man and three nearby children were able to run for cover, police said. Hurtado was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses gave authorities a description of the suspect vehicle, which they identified as a white Honda CR-V.
Palm Springs police later found the vehicle, and officers detained a man who was seen leaving and entering the SUV. They found two handguns inside a backpack that the man threw away as officers approached him, officials said.
The driver of the SUV fled into Desert Hot Springs, and police there initiated a pursuit that ended when the vehicle stalled and two men inside tried to flee, but were quickly apprehended, police said.
Authorities identified the suspects from the SUV as Hamrick and two other suspects. Indio detectives took custody of all three individuals.
Arrest in Desert Hot Springs (11/20/25)
Franco was allegedly a passenger in the SUV during the shooting and was arrested later in Banning.
Anyone with additional information on the case was asked to call 760-391-4057, or report tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.