Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A man partly responsible for supplying a deadly dose of fentanyl to a 35-year-old Riverside resident was sentenced today to six years in state prison.

David Ray Mullins, 48, of Jurupa Valley pleaded guilty on Feb. 6 to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of possession of controlled substances for sale under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admissions, prosecutors dropped a second-degree murder charge against Mullins.   

During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice on Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Joshlyn Pulliam certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.

Mullins’ co-defendant, 32-year-old Jaclyn Christine Sherman ofRiverside, admitted one count of voluntary manslaughter and transportation of controlled substances for sale under a separate plea bargain. Sherman, who isbeing held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center, is slated to be sentenced on March 30. Details on the stipulated sentence for her were unavailable.

Last week, the pair’s co-conspirator, 39-year-old Miguel Garcia of Riverside, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, possession of drugs for sale and transportation of controlled substances for sale under a pretrial agreement. Garcia, who is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center, is also scheduled for sentencing on March 30. The stipulated sentence for him was not disclosed.

Sherman and Garcia delivered the fentanyl that killed Christopher Nicholas Lucia in 2023. Mullins was the original source of the synthetic opioid, prosecutors said.

According to an arrest declaration affidavit filed by Riverside Police Department Detective Scott Levesque, Garcia and Sherman were partners in narcotics sales to a stream of purchasers throughout the Riverside metropolitan area.

In the predawn hours of Nov. 8, 2023, they met Lucia after he contacted Sherman via text to request two grams of fentanyl, the affidavit said. While sitting in the back of Garcia’s Honda Element compact crossover SUV, the victim consumed the drug as his girlfriend waited for him in his car, parked nearby on Stony Brooke Circle.   

Lucia returned to his vehicle moments later and got behind the wheel, Levesque said.  

“Since he was already becoming irritable and sick, it’s possible he used a larger dose (of fentanyl) than normal, which could cause a higher-than-normal amount of the drug to enter the blood stream,” the detective said.   

Lucia drove a short distance before falling unconscious, prompting his girlfriend, whose name wasn’t disclosed, to call 911. Lucia lingered in a coma for five days, at which point he died from the toxic substance.   

Garcia and Sherman were soon identified as the sellers, and a search warrant was obtained and served at their shared residence in the 4900 block of Gardena Drive.

“Detectives located and seized more than three-quarter pounds of powdered fentanyl, as well as evidence these suspects continued selling fentanyl after Christopher’s death,” Riverside police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback said.

The defendants’ supplier was identified as Mullins, and a search warrant was executed at his property at 7226 Front Ave., where officers seized “scales, baggies, white residue and other items consistent with sales of fentanyl,” according to the affidavit.

Mullins was later convicted in a separate drug trafficking case and sent to state prison for less than a year.

“Sherman, Garcia and Mullins are responsible for the fentanyl that killed Lucia,” Levesque wrote.

Court records show Sherman has documented prior convictions for petty theft and driving on a suspended license. Mullins had priors that were not listed in court documents. Garcia has no priors in Riverside County.

Since February 2021, prosecutors have charged over three dozen people in connection with fentanyl poisonings. Two prosecutions have resulted in murder convictions.

Public health statistics indicated there were 328 known fentanyl-related fatalities countywide in 2024, compared to 571 in 2023, a 42% decline. Numbers for 2025 haven’t been finalized.

Fentanyl is manufactured in overseas labs, principally in China, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which says the opioid is smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border by cartels.

Fentanyl is 80-100 times more potent than morphine and can be mixed into any number of street narcotics and prescription drugs, without a recipient knowing what he or she is consuming. Ingestion of only two milligrams can be fatal.

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Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Police are searching for a suspect after a 36-year-old man was killed in a shooting Tuesday morning in the Dream Homes neighborhood of Cathedral City.

The shooting was reported at around 11:15 a.m. on the 30800 block of San Gabriel Circle.

Police said officers arrived at the scene and found a man with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Cathedral City Police Detectives responded and assumed the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, police determined the victim was confronted by unknown subjects in a black Dodge Durango. After being confronted, the victim exchanged words and was then shot. The vehicle fled the area south on San Gabriel Circle towards San Luis Rey.

The victim’s identity has not been released.

Anyone who may have information or have camera footage that captured the incident or possible vehicle involved, is encouraged to contact detectives. If you have information related to this incident or believe you may have information, contact Cathedral City Police Detective N. Paz at (760) 770-0383 or npaz@cathedralcity.gov or email tips@cathedralcity.gov.

You may also report information anonymously through Coachella Valley Crime Stoppers, by calling (760) 341-STOP; or through the WeTip hotline at: 1-(800)-78-CRIME or WWW.WETIP.com . Some tip information may qualify for a cash reward.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – A group of 35+ local businesses in Palm Springs said a proposal to replace a key public parking lot with a new fire station could threaten their survival.

The parking lot is located at 261 N Indian Canyon Parking.

At a January City Council meeting officials discussed Fire Station 1. It’s a nearly 70-year-old facility at 277 N. Indian Canyon Drive.

Fire officials said it needs to be modernized but because it’s a Class 1 Historic Site, major alterations are tightly regulated.

Instead, the Palm Springs Fire Department is suggesting building a new fire station on the adjacent parking lot, saying it reviewed multiple sites but determined that area would provide the best response times. 

But small business owners said that lot is essential.

“This parking lot represents 65 parking spots, and it’s the only public parking lot in the entire block from the 200 to 300 block,” Matt Bousquette, a property owner, said.

Some of the businesses that would be impacted include Tonga Hut, The Sandwich Spot and NYPD Pizza & Bar.

“Our businesses have an average tenure of 10 and a half years on this block,” Bousquette said. “We represent all the small businesses that the city says makes us different and makes us great. We got notice that the city was interested in eliminating the only parking lot we had for all of the businesses on our street.”

Bousquette said they have formed a coalition, The Block 200 Club, launching a website, hanging signs around town and creating a petition to rally community support and push for talks with the city over the proposal.

“There must be a way that we can talk to the city that makes sense in a constructive way because we love our town,” Bousquette said.

He said the group supports building a new fire station, but not at the expense of their only parking lot.

“We’re interested in, as neighbors, having a conversation with the fire department to see what can be the best for the city overall,” Bousquette said.

News Channel 3 reached out to the city, we’re still waiting for answers.

Paul Alvarado, Fire Chief, said the department understands the concerns of residents and business owners.

“We are in the very early planning stages of Fire Station 1; therefore, all designs are conceptual,” Alvarado said. “During this period, we are gathering and prioritizing community feedback.”

The council has not approved any plan, and a community meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fire Station 1.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Garrett Hottle

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KESQ)- New information found on the suspect in connection with the disappearance and death of T’Neya Tovar.  News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle was first to report last week that partial human remains recovered by the Imperial County Sheriff were identified as Tovar’s. 

Check Out: New timeline, digital evidence raise questions after arrest in T’Neya Tovar investigation

On Tuesday, authorities released the booking photo for the suspect in the Tovar case, Abraham Feinbloom, 51. He was arrested Friday morning following a search warrant at his home on Harlequin Court in Salton City.

According to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, Feinbloom was booked into the Imperial County jail on suspicion of murder and resisting a peace officer. Investigators say when deputies moved in, Feinbloom jumped a fence in what appeared to run away from police. 

He is currently being held without bail.

News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle uncovered court records showing he previously faced felony kidnapping charges in Imperial County. The charges were later dismissed in January 2019, following a preliminary hearing

Feinbloom’s former defense attorney, Melanie Roe, confirmed on Tuesday that she represented him in that case and the district attorney dismissed the charges because they were unable to proceed.

In a statement provided to News Channel 3 on Tuesday, Roe said:

“As to the matter I previously handled, I can only say that the District Attorney dismissed all charges against my client under the advisement that they were unable to proceed.

As to the current matter: Mr. Feinbloom, like all persons accused of a crime in this country, is shrouded by the presumption of innocence. That means he is innocent of all charges unless, and until, the prosecution can prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is best handled in the courts and should not be tried in the media. Indeed, despite the recent reporting as of this time, I have not yet heard it published that a death certificate has been authored by a medical examiner in this matter. And that is, I presume, because the proper authorities know that limb loss, without more, is not equivalent to death. If it were, the 2.3 million amputees in this country would be surprised to know they are not counted among the living.”

Reporting that the manner of death in this case is a murder without a death certificate stating the cause of death and that there is even a death, is tantamount to putting the cart before a horse. It should not be reported as such, until the proper authorities have completed their investigation and determined such.”

As of Tuesday, formal charges have not yet been filed by the district attorney’s office and Feinbloom maintains the presumption of innocence.

The FBI continues to ask that anyone with information about her murder contact police. A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the resolution of this case. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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María García

Palm Desert, Calif. (KESQ) — A big milestone is underway inside the St. Jude Dream home in the Silver Spur Ranch community in South Palm Desert, just a walk away from the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Those who made the Dream Home a reality had the chance to sign the floor on Tuesday.

The home is being built by GHA Companies in the Silver Spur Ranch community in south Palm Desert right by The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. It’s a single-story, 2,600 square foot home. It will have three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a flex room, and a three-car garage. The home also includes an open concept layout, an upgraded kitchen with a large island, and a walk-in pantry.

Call 800-535-6748 to get your ticket for the St. Jude Dream Home.

We’ll announce the winner of the home on March 10!

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City News Service

NORTH SHORE, Calif. (KESQ) – The first mosquito-borne virus of the year has been detected in the Coachella Valley after a North Shore mosquito sample tested positive for St. Louis encephalitis virus, officials said today.   

“This detection serves as an early reminder that mosquito-borne viruses are present in our region each year,” Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Manager Jeremy Wittie said in a statement. “With recent rainfall and rising temperatures, mosquito populations can increase quickly. We urge residents to take immediate action by dumping and draining any standing water around their homes on a weekly basis.”  

The sample was collected near Avenue 72 and Garfield Street, officials said.  

St. Louis encephalitis virus is transmitted when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and later bites a person. Most infected people experience no symptoms, though some may develop fever, headaches, nausea or body aches, and severe cases can affect the nervous system.

No human cases have been reported in the Coachella Valley, and there is no vaccine for the virus, district officials said.   

Targeted mosquito control treatments will be conducted at an unspecified date to reduce mosquito numbers and limit potential virus transmission.

Officials said the primary local carrier is the Culex tarsalis mosquito, which breeds in standing water such as neglected swimming pools, agricultural runoff, wetlands and storm drains and is most active during evening and early morning hours. The species differs from the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can transmit viruses including dengue, Zika and chikungunya.

Residents are encouraged to reduce mosquito breeding by dumping and draining standing water, emptying and scrubbing birdbaths and pet water bowls weekly, clearing yard drains and maintainin pools, spas and fountains.   

To prevent bites, officials recommend using EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, and repairing window and door screens.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – An 18-year-old suspected of crashing a vehicle into an Indio police patrol unit and fleeing on foot was arrested today following a brief pursuit.

Officers responded about 9:40 a.m. Tuesday to a report of a disturbance in the 81000 block of Dalea Avenue, according to Indio Police Department Sgt. Abraham Plata.

When officers arrived, they contacted an individual inside a Honda Accord, police said. The suspect allegedly backed the vehicle into a patrol car before fleeing on foot.

A brief foot pursuit followed, ending when the suspect was taken into custody, police said.

No injuries were reported, and the investigation was ongoing.

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City News Service

Update – 2/17/26 – 1:15 pm

The woman has been found, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

Original Report – 2/17/26 – 1pm

MOUNTAIN CENTER (CNS) – A search was underway today for a 29-year-old woman whose last known location was not immediately known.   

Minori Garcia-Arreola was last seen in an unknown area of either Mountain Center or Idyllwild, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Garcia-Arreola is 5-foot 2-inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing black pants, a brown-and-tan jacket and black boots.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts was asked to contact the sheriff’s dispatch at 800-950-2444.

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Garrett Hottle

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) Did you feel it? A preliminary 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck near Banning Tuesday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake hit shortly before 11 a.m. at a depth of about nine miles.

At this time there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Rain in the Coachella Valley can temporarily reduce allergy symptoms, but experts say levels often increase in the days after storms move through.

While rain is falling, it typically clears pollen from the air by pulling particles to the ground, which can bring short-term relief for allergy sufferers.

But moisture left behind can trigger mold growth in desert soils and stimulate plants to release pollen especially during late winter, when the region’s primary allergy season begins.

Olive trees, grasses, mesquite and other common desert plants start producing pollen this time of year, and winds returning after storms can carry those particles into the air.

Health experts say the pattern is common in arid climates: rain may briefly reduce allergens, but can lead to higher pollen and mold levels within several days after a storm.

Tips for reducing rain related allergy symptoms

• Check local pollen & allergy forecasts

• Limit time outdoors during & after rain

• Wear a mask if you must go outside

• Use sunglasses to protect eyes from pollen

• Shower & change clothes after being outdoors

• Keep windows closed; run A/C or air filter

• Use dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth

• Clear wet leaves & debris around your home

• Consider over-the-counter allergy medications

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