Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Prosecution testimony may conclude at the end of the week in the trial of a young man accused of gunning down a shopper at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon with the help of twin brothers, all of whom wanted the victim’s Rolex wristwatch.

Reginald Charles Trice, 21, of Victorville, is charged with first-degree murder, a special-circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a robbery and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations for the 2022 slaying of 66-year-old Michael Moser of Palm Springs.   

Trice’s case was transferred last week from the Banning Justice Center to the Riverside Hall of Justice, where a jury had already been seated in the courtroom of Riverside County Superior Court Judge Jerry Yang. The District Attorney’s Office opened its case Thursday. Jurors were given Friday off and returned to the downtown courthouse Monday, when additional law enforcement witnesses were called.  

Before proceedings began, Trice’s co-defendant, 22-year-old Elijah Ray Burt, admitted a charge of voluntary manslaughter under a plea agreement with the prosecution. He had been charged with murder. Burt is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning and is due for sentencing on Aug. 8.   

Elijah Ray Burt

His twin brother, Emanuel Rick Burt, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy and was sentenced to six years in state prison.   

Emanuel Rick Burt

Trice is being held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside.   

According to a trial brief filed by the D.A.’s office, he was the admitted gunman in the deadly shooting, while the brothers acted as cohorts.   

The trio, longtime friends from Victorville, arrived in Riverside County on March 24, 2022, in Trice’s Jeep Cherokee, seeking out targets of opportunity, heading directly to the Cabazon mall in the 48600 block of Seminole Drive, just off of Interstate 10, in the late afternoon, prosecutors said.

Michael Moser, pictured on the far left

Trice allowed Emanuel Burt to drive the SUV, and while they waited at a pedestrian crossing, Moser passed in front of the vehicle, talking on his mobile phone and walking into the mall, according to the brief.   

“Trice explained that he saw the victim and thought he was wearing a `Rollie,’ slang for Rolex watch,” court papers stated. “Trice said, `once you see something you like, you get it.'”

He and Elijah Burt jumped out of the Jeep and tailed Moser into the mall, intending to rob him, prosecutors alleged. Emanuel Burt then backed the Jeep into position for a getaway.

Moser went into a restroom, with Trice and Elijah Burt close behind. Once inside, the defendants confronted him, Trice brandishing a Glock semiautomatic pistol and demanding that the victim surrender the Rolex, the brief said.

“Trice said Elijah froze and didn’t help with the attempted robbery,” the narrative said. “The victim started fighting, and Trice had his gun out during the fight, and the gun went off. He said that Elijah got shot in the hand. He said that all the victim had to do was `give it up.”’   

Instead, Trice aimed the firearm at Moser’s chest and opened fire, killing him on the spot, the prosecution alleged.   

The defendants ran to the Jeep and jumped in, prompting Emanuel Burt to sped away. From the time the men spotted Moser in the parking lot to the point where they fled the location altogether took 90 seconds, the brief said.   

A security guard initiated CPR on Moser, and county sheriff’s deputies, then fire department paramedics, attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Elijah Burt went to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment of his superficial hand wound.

Sheriff’s detectives gathered recordings from surveillance video cameras situated throughout the mall, gleaning license plate information for the getaway vehicle, which culminated in revelation of the defendants’ identities. The investigation led to verification of their movements using cell phone data and other security surveillance videos from area gas stations and hotels.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Ben Ramirez said a warrant was obtained and served at Trice’s residence in the 15500 block of Morada Road on April 21, 2022, when he was taken into custody without incident. The brothers were tracked down and arrested in Las Vegas at the end of April 2022.

None of the men had documented prior adult felony convictions in Riverside County. However, Trice and Emanuel Burt served sentences under supervision of the California Youth Authority for unspecified juvenile offenses in San Bernardino County, according to court records.

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Allie Anthony

The Bump and Grind Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Coachella Valley.

It’s known for its accessibility to people of all ages and skill levels, but some hikers say the biggest challenge is getting to it.

4 years ago, the City of Palm Desert and Coachella Valley Association of Governments built an amphitheater here that people now use as steps to access the trail.

“Before this access point existed, this was a dirt area with no amenities…This is stadium seating that was included as a resting place for hikers and CV Link users,” said a representative from CVAG. “If CVAG had included steps to connect the access point to the trail itself, we would have been required to also build an ADA ramp – which, in this case, would have essentially been a ramp to nowhere as the trail itself is not wheelchair friendly.”

Just this year, the original access point was closed off by fencing to help prevent erosion. A representative from The City of Palm Desert says “The amphitheater-style steps… are actually part of the trailhead design by CVAG. They’re taller than typical stairs, but they were built that way to blend into the hillside and provide a clear start to the trail. Since the Bump and Grind is considered moderately challenging with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, those steps are meant to reflect the nature of the hike.”

News Channel 3 is looking into how the city plans to improve access to the trail for local residents.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Plaza Theatre announced on Monday that tickets are on sale for the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (PSGMC) 2025-2026 season.

The Theatre announced its upcoming season in the spring, and fans can now buy tickets as the Theatre’s renovations near completion.

PSGMC opens its 26th season December 19th through the 21st with “Bells, Brass and Sass,” featuring holiday favorites such as performances of “Elf the Musical” and “The Sound of Music.”

Following that show, “Rhinestones and Rainbows,” a performance inspired by musician and actress Dolly Parton, runs from April 24th through April 26th, 2026.

The Plaza Theatre is set to reopen on December 2nd, with actress Lily Tomlin set to star in its inaugural show.

For ticket prices and more information on all events at the historic Plaza Theatre, visit palmspringsplazatheatre.com.

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Cynthia White

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two assault suspects are in custody after an investigation of an assault with a firearm, throwing rocks, and damaging property.

Deputies from the San Bernardino Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station were called out to Monte Vista Street in Twentynine Palms on June 25 to investigate an assault with a firearm.

Investigators found that two people, a man and a woman, had assaulted a person – a woman threw rocks which struck the person, and a man pulled out a gun and pointed it at the victim. When the victim tried to leave, the pair vandalized the victim’s vehicle.

Deputies couldn’t find the suspects at the time, and they issued arrest warrants.

Deputies learned that the female suspect was at her home on Saturday, July 11, and went to arrest her on the warrant.

Once on scene, deputies located a Polaris RZR and a flatbed trailer that had been reported stolen from a home nearby. A detective from the Morongo Basin Station arrived to assist deputies with the investigation and served a search warrant for the residence.

The suspect man and woman were found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a loaded firearm, ammunition, and firearm parts. Both were arrested and transported to the Morongo Basin Jail.

The woman is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and felony vandalism. The man is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, a felon in possession of a firearm, and a felon in possession of ammunition. The pair were taken to the West Valley Detention Center, where the woman is being held on $100,000 bail, and the man is being held on $130,000 bail.

The case remains under investigation. Deputies urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Morongo Basin Station (760)-366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip Hotline at 1800-78-CRIME (27463), or leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

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Haley Meberg

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ)– Eastbound I-10 lane closure is scheduled tonight from 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday morning as a part of the Desert Rehab Project.

The California Department of Transportation’s I-10 Desert Rehab project includes pavement rehabilitation, the addition of eastbound truck climbing lanes and safety improvements on the roadway. 

This specific addition to the project is set to begin repairs on the guardrail and lane closures are set in place for the safety of the construction crew. 

The I-10 Desert Rehabilitation Company asks that travelers keep a watchful eye for their crews working near live traffic.

For more updates stay with News Channel 3. 

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Shay Lawson

UPDATE 7/15/2025:

Palm Desert officials report that approval has been received from Riverside County Health Department to reopen the lap pool on a modified schedule.

Beginning this week, the lap pool will be open Friday through Sunday and remain closed Monday through Thursday.

For questions or more information, contact the Palm Desert Aquatic Center at 760-565-7467.

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – Some Palm Desert residents are expressing growing frustrations after the Palm Desert Aquatic Center lap pool has experienced ongoing maintenance issues.

David Keyes, Aquatic Manager, said the issues stem from aging equipment, specifically the lap pool filtration system, which has degraded beyond repair and is now scheduled for a full replacement this fall.

“We’ve got a filtration issue that is causing poor water clarity,” Keyes said. “We’re experiencing that when we have heavy bather loads. That’s why you’ve seen some instances where we’ve been open at certain times and had to close again.”

According to the city, staff first became aware of the issues with the lap pool’s filtration system in April 2024.

Currently, the lap pool is closed, while the adjacent recreational pool remains open for swim lessons, splash play and events.

Jeff Milstead, a veteran and frequent pool user, said he’s disappointed.

“It’s been up and down all summer,” Milstead said. “It just always seems to break in the summertime when they probably need it the most.”

He also questioned a recent fee increase.

“They charged us $15 for the two of us last time we were here, about a week ago,” Milstead said. “Now they charge $18.”

Keyes confirmed a fee increase was pre-scheduled, but not tied to the filter issues.

“The fees were planned to have incremental increases going into the next couple of years,” he said. “It was just bad timing. Anyone who has a pass, they just need to reach out to us. We can easily put them on hold.”

The city said there’s a possibility the lap pool could partially reopen this summer.

City officials said staff have submitted a modified operating schedule to the Riverside County Health Department.

If approved, the lap pool could be open Friday through Sunday — up until the full facility closes for the pump room renovations in November.

The city has published a new resource page with more information including details on its upcoming Pump Room Renovation project.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on this developing story.

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Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– United Airlines announced the reinstatement of their nonstop service from Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) starting this December. 

Starting December 18 PSP lands its third airline with direct service to the New York Metropolitan area making traveling from coast to coast easier than ever. 

The route will operate 5-7 times a week depending on the month from December 18- April 29. The flights through United Airlines will depart from EWR at 8:30 a.m. EST, along with a flight set out of PSP taking off at 2:00 p.m. PST.

This addition marks the first time in five years that United Airlines will regularly have a connecting flight from EWR-PSP, reestablishing a key connection between the Coachella Valley and the New York area. 

“We’re delighted to see United continue growing at PSP, with Newark service returning this winter and LAX flights coming back earlier than last year,” said Harry Barrett, Jr., Executive Director of Aviation at Palm Springs International Airport. “These additions reflect our commitment to thoughtful, strategic growth—expanding access, supporting economic opportunity, and delivering the exceptional travel experience our community expects.” 

This new route adds to the already existing nonstop PSP-New York flight options available through Alaska and Delta. 

For more information on flight booking visit united.com or the United mobile app. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) met in Palm Springs for its symposium – and shared its floral arrangements designed for the program with Forever Marilyn and the community.

On Monday, Forever Marilyn “stepped into a garden” thanks to AIFD, which colored the Palm Springs community with its “Blooms Over” program.

Thousands of floral arrangements crafted by some of the nation’s top floral designers that were used throughout the symposium were repurposed and shared with the public – including a stunning display at the Forever Marilyn statue.

Volunteers handed out bouquets to the public in front of this vibrant floral installation at Forever Marilyn on Monday.

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Haley Meberg

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– With temperatures continuing to rise throughout the Coachella Valley residents are turning to the community to provide a safe space to cool off and find relief during the summer months. 

The Desert Recreational District (DRD) has announced they are opening their cooling centers to help provide relief to the heat during the hottest months of the year.

“Ensuring the health and safety of our residents is always a top priority,” said Lindsay Woods, Interim General Manager of Desert Recreation District. “We are proud to offer these cooling centers as a welcoming and accessible resource for anyone needing a break from the extreme heat. Our doors are open to everyone in the community.” 

Cooling centers are open now through October 15 at the following locations:

Palm Desert Community CenterMonday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Mecca Community CenterMonday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

North Shore Beach & Yacht ClubMonday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

Jerry Rummonds’ Community Center (Thermal)Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

For more information about other DRD programs visit https://www.myrecreationdistrict.com/class/cooling-centers and to learn more about the cooling centers in the Desert Cities go to https://kesq.com/cooling-centers/

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Tori King

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3’s Tori King is getting a first look inside the habitat featuring the zoo’s new bobcat kittens.

The kittens, David and JoAnne, are siblings who were rescued back in April. They have spent the last few months getting rehabilitated. Back in April, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens introduced two bobcat kittens to their new habitat and what care professionals are calling their “forever home.”

According to the zoo, David and JoAnn are brother and sister, and were brought to the zoo from Oregon. The young kittens were found in a box on a driveway near Springfield and Eugene. Officials with The Living Desert are unsure who took them, where they were found originally, or where their mother is. According to the Zoo, when the kittens first arrived in California, they were only two pounds, and since then, thanks to round-the-clock animal care, they’ve grown to a healthy seven.They’re expected to be fully grown in just a few months.

News Channel 3’s Tori King has been following their story since the beginning. And on Monday, she got an up-close encounter inside their unique habitat with Animal Care Curators.

“It’s taken a lot of care and effort to get them to this point,” said Heather Down. “They’re currently around seven pounds, so full grown, they’ll be in the 20 to 25 pound range.” The kittens new home is a specially designed habitat designed to replicate their natural desert environment. It comes with native vegetation, dens, and an irrigation system to keep them cool. And they also eat a diet uniquely made for bobcats.

“Right now the bobcats are eating whole prey mice and ground meat,” said Down. “We’re changing their diets about every week because they’re growing that fast.”

Now, Animal Care Curators like Down are working with the kittens to continue learning natural behaviors, however, they are limiting touch and contact, something they say is important as they progress into adulthood.

“At some point, it was really important to us that we start to start to back off as humans, and also as their second mom of sorts,” said Down. “Because we want them to not be habituated on us. We want them to be comfortable with us, but to understand that they are bobcats. And we want them to go do Bobcat things like they would in the wild.”

Despite the incredible turnaround the kittens have made, rehabilitation can have its limitations. According to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the siblings aren’t able to be released into the wild.

“We have world-class experts here, but because these two came to us at such a young age and they required hands on care and bottle feeding, we’re unable to provide the exposure and the experiences that their mom would have taught them,” explained Down. “We can teach them a lot, but these two haven’t been able to learn survival skills or develop those instincts that a bobcat would naturally. Since we can’t provide that for them, and because hands on care was what they needed, they were not candidates for being released.”

Both kittens can be seen by the public seven days a week at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

“We are committed to them for forever, and we are very thankful to have them here,” said Down. “Just to tell their story and share their message.”

And it’s important to note that if you see the kittens panting, its normal behavior. Bobcats are actually native to the desert, and are used to the heat, however, they have no way to sweat, much like dogs, so instead, they pant.

“Education and coexistence is so important,” said Down. “This is their natural habitat, and they are made to handle this weather. I mean, look around the Coachella Valley. Everywhere you turn there’s desert, and mountains, and natural land. And so as we start to develop and grow, it’s really important that we recognize the impact that can have as humans on their natural environment. Finding that balance on how we can coexist with these animals is really important, and we hope these kittens inspire people to learn more about them.”

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