Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

MURRIETA, Calif. (KESQ) – A young man who gunned down a 17-year-old Cathedral City boy during a street confrontation that possibly stemmed from prior workplace ill-will was sentenced today to 50 years to life in state prison.   

A Murrieta jury in June deliberated one day before convicting Juan Alfredo Landeros Garcia, 26, of Cathedral City of first-degree murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations for the 2020 slaying of Isaiah Guerra.

During a hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta Friday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Johnnetta Anderson imposed the sentence required under state law on Garcia.  

According to a trial brief filed by the District Attorney’s Office, on the evening of April 4, 2020, Garcia was walking to a relative’s house, crossing near the intersection of Avenida Alvera and McCallum Way, when Guerra drove up in his Hyundai Elantra.   

The victim got Garcia’s attention, but it was unclear what words were exchanged between them. Prosecutors said they had previously worked together at a Palm Springs Italian restaurant, though specific details about their on-the-job relationship and any conflicts were speculative.

During the roadside encounter, Garcia pulled a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fired 10 times, striking Guerra in the chest, arms and legs as he sat in the driver’s seat of the four-door sedan, according to the brief.

The mortally wounded motorist attempted to drive away but crashed 300 feet from where the gunfire erupted, his vehicle coming to rest on a sidewalk. He died at the scene.

Garcia ran from the location, tearing off his shirt and throwing the pistol onto a rooftop, the brief stated. Security surveillance cameras mounted on homes throughout the neighborhood captured the defendant in his flight, recording images of his tattoos and other salient marks later used to confirm he was the shooter.  

Cathedral City Police Department detectives obtained a warrant for Garcia’s arrest less than a week later, and he was taken into custody without incident at a family member’s property on Modalo Road.

The defendant admitted to his girlfriend, whose identity was not disclosed, that he’d shot the victim, but insisted that the teenager had “banged” on him, referring to gang-related hostility, then asked him, “Do you remember me?” court papers said.   

Garcia told the woman he’d pulled his gun and fired in self-defense.   

The defendant had no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 50-year-old man pleaded guilty on Friday to killing five kittens and leaving them in a trash bag at a Cathedral City residence.

Jorge Edwin Ramirez pleaded guilty to five counts of animal cruelty and was immediately sentenced to two years of probation and 180 days in custody, according to court records.

Ramirez was arrested on April 29 on the 32300 block of Aurora Vista Road after a resident called police and said they found a bag containing five dead kittens in their backyard, the Cathedral City Police Department said.

During the investigation, CCPD officers found surveillance video that showed a suspect, identified as Ramirez, tossing a trash bag over the reporting party’s fence on the morning of April 25.

“The trash bag that was tossed over the fence contained five kittens ,which were later found deceased inside the bag. Officers were able to locate the suspect from the video,” reads a CCPD news release.

Ramirez was interviewed and admitted to the crime, police said.

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Jesus Reyes

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A hit-and-run investigation is ongoing after a pedestrian was killed in a crash Thursday morning in Banning, police announced.

The crash was reported at around 5:35 a.m. on E. Ramsey Street, near the intersection with Val Monte Street.

Police originally responded to reports of a man lying on the roadway. Injuries to the male and evidence at the scene indicated that the male had been struck by a vehicle.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Investigators were able to identify the suspect vehicle, a red Cadillac STS. The investigative team located a potential vehicle matching the description, with collision damage, at an apartment complex in the 200  block of W. Westward Avenue.

A search warrant was served on Friday morning at the location. Police said the suspect vehicle was collected as evidence, and two subjects were detained from inside the target residence. Both subjects were questioned and later released pending further investigation.

The Banning Police Department would like to thank the citizen who took the time to stop and report this incident and the local businesses who have been very helpful during this investigation.

Banning police urge anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Detective Bureau at 951-922-3170 and help seek justice for the victim and his family.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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City News Service

PALM DESERT (CNS) – The Who, a legendary UK rock band, will end their North American tour with a farewell show at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert next month, it was announced today.

“The Song is Over — The North American Farewell Tour” will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at 75702 Varner Road.   

Pre-sale tickets will be available for Citi card members from 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. Tuesday. A general ticket sale will be available at 10 a.m. Wednesday via Ticketmaster.

The two original members who remain in the Who consists of guitarist Pete Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltrey.   

The Who has played for more than 50 years, and was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

“‘The Song is Over’ tour marks the final face-to-face celebration of this timeless connection with North American Who fans, forever appreciative of the band’s ability to dispense with nostalgia and deliver authentic rock moments time and time again,” officials said.

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City News Service

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today it will conduct anti-mosquito spraying to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne viruses next week in Coachella.   

The truck-mounted mosquito control spraying will take place from 12 a.m. through 5 a.m. Monday throughout the city, dependent on weather conditions.

The application method combines high volumes of air and low volumes of liquid larvicide mixed with water for an efficient treatment.   

During the spraying, the district will use VectoBac WDG, an organic product that poses no risk to people, pets, wildlife, including other insects and honeybees.

However, officials advise residents as a precaution to remain indoors during the application process.  

The agency said all products are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for public health protection, and will be applied by trained and certified technicians.

“Recent weather conditions and rainfall have created ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, Jeremy Wittie, general manager of the district, said in a statement. “It’s important for all community members to do their part by eliminating any standing water around their homes and workplace.”

A few tips provided by the district to prevent mosquitoes around the home includes:   — Inspecting the yard regularly for standing water and to empty water collected items that can hold water, such as plant saucers, bird baths, tires or buckets;   — Check rain gutters and lawn drain to ensure they are not clogged or holding water;   — Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water dishes weekly to prevent mosquito larvae from developing.

In order to prevent mosquito bites, use insect repellents containing EPA-registered ingredients like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Additionally, wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and closed-toe shoes, and to make sure any window or door screens are in good condition.   

The agency added that district officials has detected 84 mosquito samples of St. Louis encephalitis virus and 10 mosquito samples of West Nile virus.

There was no reported cased of people contracting mosquito-borne illnesses in the Coachella Valley.

A map of the spraying operation can be seen at https://www.cvmosquito.org/mosquito-control treatments-e755425.

More information can be found at www.cvmosquito.org.

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Blake Arthur

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The 2025 high school football season continues this week with many local teams in action.

Below is the schedule and scores for Week 4.

Friday, Sept. 12

Desert Hot Springs10
@
Shadow Hills44
F

Cathedral City6
@
Xavier Prep48
F

Western Christian47
@
Indio6
F

Palm Desert21
@
Yucaipa37
F

La Quinta22
@
Hesperia21
F

Yucca Valley21
@
Chaffey28
F

Rubidoux12
@
Twentynine Palms41
F

Coachella Valley24
@
Palo Verde Valley40
F

Desert Christian Academy58
@
San Jacinto Valley Academy7
F

Desert Chapel13
@
Nordhoff47
F

/**/

Thursday, Sept. 11

Palm Springs 49 at Colton 42 – Indians improve to 4-0 on the season.

Rancho Mirage 21 at Ramona 28 – Rattlers fall to 2-2 on the season.

How about the Tribe?! Gutsy, comeback 49-42 victory on the road over Colton. Indians remain undefeated on the year, improving to 4-0. @KESQ @BLVNBTL @KenjiitoKESQ @PSHSAD

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) September 12, 2025

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of local high school football throughout the season.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Update 9/13/2025

Palm Springs Police arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting on Friday in the 500 block of Avenida Cerca.

Officers identified a 48-year-old Palm Springs man, as being involved in the homicide. He was arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center.

That suspect is facing charges of homicide.

Officers responded around 6:50 a.m. to a report of a possible drive-by shooting near Avenida Cerca and Corozon Avenue.

Police said they found a 64-year-old Palm Springs man inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound. Officers attempted CPR, but the man died at the scene.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Alexander Doherty at (760) 323-8142 or by email at Alexander.Doherty@palmspringsca.gov.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (760) 347-7867.

Original report

The Palm Springs Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on September 12, 2025, in the 500 block of Avenida Cerca, Palm Springs.

At approximately 6:50 AM, PSPD officers responded to a report of a possible drive-by shooting near the intersection of Avenida Cerca and Corozon Ave. The caller indicated uncertainty about whether a person inside a vehicle at the location had been shot. Upon arrival, officers located a 64-year-old male resident of Palm Springs inside a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers attempted CPR, but despite their efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Following a thorough investigation, officers identified Titus Holland, a 48-year-old resident of Palm Springs, as being involved in the homicide. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on charges of 187(a) PC – Homicide.

The Palm Springs Police Department is continuing its investigation and encourages anyone with additional information to contact Detective Alexander Doherty at (760) 323-8142 or via email at Alexander.Doherty@palmspringsca.gov. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at (760) 347-7867.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Palm Springs Police are investigating a homicide near Avenida Cerca and Corazon Avenue in the Desert Highland Gateway Estates area.

PSPD officers were called to the scene Friday morning with reports that there was a body in the roadway.

They found a victim who was dead at the scene.

Officers say they currently have a person of interest in custody; however, they are continuing their investigation.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Friday a 22-year-old man is under arrest in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Officials identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson and said a tip from someone close to him helped lead to the arrest. Investigators previously released surveillance video and said a rifle and ammunition were recovered near campus. Charges are pending.

The FBI said a suspect is in custody and asked the public to continue sharing photos and video as agents process evidence from a rooftop where they say they collected shoe, forearm, and palm impressions. The bureau had offered a reward up to 100,000 dollars before the arrest was announced. 

In the Coachella Valley, organizers say immigration-enforcement anxiety is reshaping public events. The annual Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage has been canceled, with parishes planning smaller observances instead. Other Latino events have been scaled back or postponed.

Statement from Assemblymember Greg WallisAssemblymember Greg Wallis provided the following statement to News Channel 3:

“Political violence in any form must be unequivocally condemned, not only by elected leaders but by all of us, from dinner tables to boardrooms.

Every American should be free to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear.

Charlie’s tragic death has forced us to confront an unsettling reality, but we must not shy away from robust public debate and civil discourse.

This is the American way, the path to rediscovering our shared values, not retreating into silos.”

Kirk, 31, was shot during a campus event in Orem on Wednesday. Officials released new video Thursday night that appeared to show the gunman climbing down from a rooftop and running. Gov. Cox and federal officials announced the arrest on Friday.

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Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly three years after a deadly shooting in Indio, Indio Police announce the arrests of two men connected to the 2022 homicide.

On December 23, 2022, around 2:00 a.m., Indio Police detectives responded to a homicide investigation at 45955 Grace Street, near Jackson Street and Highway 111. They found Steven Matthew Sanchez, 44, who had died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

IPD reports that on September 5, they arrested Isaac Anthony Martinez, 21, who they charged with murder and accessory to a crime.

Isaac Anthony Martinez

Days later, on September 10, the department, along with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Gang Impact Team, located Efren David Bracamonte, 21, in Thousand Palms. Bracamonte was charged with murder and also booked into John Benoit Detention Center. Bracamonte pled not guilty at his arraignment on Friday, and is being held on $1 million bail. He is due to be back in court later this month.

Efren David Bracamonte

News Channel 3 was at the scene of of Bracamonte’s arrest on Wednesday.

IPD has filed charges against both individuals with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

The Indio Police Department is urging anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact Detectives Belman and Ortega at (760) 391-4057.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on this story.

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Gavin Nguyen

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Parents and students are concerned after a number of school threats have been made to PSUSD schools in recent days.

Several emails and phone calls were made into the KESQ Newsroom after posts on social media began circulating online on Wednesday about violence that would occur on Thursday at Desert Springs Middle School in Desert Hot Springs.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department released a statement Thursday night and deemed the threat was not credible. The department said it will maintain an increased police presence on Friday out of an abundance of caution.

Palm Springs Unified School District reassured parents with several district emails and messages after the threat was deemed to be fake by investigators. Since the threat was first discovered, the district said it sent five messages to parents, acknowledging anxiety & fear over recent violence.

The most recent district update came at 4:35 p.m. on Friday:

Hello PSUSD Families!As we get ready for our weekend, it has become a happier Friday. Thanks to the diligence of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department, working in collaboration with our District security team and administrators, the author of recent threatening social media posts has been identified as a juvenile. In an abundance of caution, police and security presence around DHS schools will continue in the upcoming days.

We are grateful to our law enforcement partners and District security team for their dedication and commitment to keeping our scholars and staff safe and working together to bring this incident to resolution. We also want you to know that PSUSD has a zero tolerance for behavior that threatens the safety of our scholars, and the person(s) responsible for this incident will face the most severe disciplinary and legal consequences allowed,

I want to thank you all again for your continued support, understanding and confidence in us. Please hug your children and give them reassurance that their safety comes first and all of us at PSUSD are committed to providing a safe learning environment each and every day.

I wish you all a relaxing and peaceful weekend!

Sincerely,Marcus Funchess, Ed.D.Superintendent of Schools

Thursday’s threat comes after another phone threat was called into Palm Springs High School last week, which was also deemed to not be a credible threat.

Dr. Funchess said if parents or their students discover an online threat like the one on Thursday, they should remain calm. He encouraged parents to first speak with their children and help them stay calm, and if possible, get more information on where the threat came from.

Parents should also reach out to law enforcement, the school, or the district to inform them of the threat. They can call those places directly, or use the district’s reporting system called “Sprigeo.”

“Do you have a message for parents or students who might be a little bit scared to be going to school right now?” News Channel 3 asked the superintendent.

“Number one, I understand as a father first and a superintendent second, I understand those fears and anxieties, but I give you my 100% word that it is our job, our number one priority, and our goal to keep your scholar safe in our school district,” Dr. Funchess replied. “And that’s what we are working at and that’s what we will continue to do, working with our law enforcement professionals and working with you as our parents by communicating, receiving information from you and doing our job well.”

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