Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Prosecution testimony got underway Tuesday in the trial of two men accused of gunning down the owner of a Cathedral City convenience store during a robbery.

Charles Lamar Campbell of Beaumont and Joel Ortiz Hidalgo of Desert Hot Springs, both 23, allegedly killed 61-year-old Chris Sgouromitis of Cathedral City in 2021.

Both men are charged with first-degree murder, attempted robbery and a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a robbery. Campbell is additionally charged with sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

On Monday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling swore in two separate juries — one for each defendant — to hear the matter at the Larson Justice Center, after which the prosecution and defense delivered opening statements.

The judge directed both panels to return to the Indio courthouse Tuesday for prosecution testimony.

Each defendant is being held without bail at the Benoit Detention Center.   

On the night of Feb. 21, 2021, Cathedral City Police Department officers were sent to the Outpost Market at 68171 Ramon Road to investigate reports of a holdup and discovered the convenience store owner mortally wounded.

Despite first responders’ efforts to save him, Sgouromitis was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.   

The victim was a beloved member of the community, and the CCPD released a statement within a few days of his murder, saying he was a “father of four with strong local ties, who was not involved in criminal activity and died in his longtime place of business.”

Detectives relied on evidence gathered at the scene, including security surveillance tape, as well as other leads, to identify the defendants, who were both arrested without incident within a week of the deadly shooting, thanks in part to anonymous tips.

Neither man has documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

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Gavin Nguyen

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – This Earth Day, the City of Rancho Mirage hosted its first-ever Earth Day Celebration at the Rancho Mirage Library.

More than 10 organizations and community partners set up booths and interactive stations for attendees of all ages.

Kids made crafts and learned the importance of sustainable practices. They planted peppers with compost, created upcycled crafts, bird feeders, and more.

Meanwhile, adults had the opportunity to learn about sustainable foods, like microgreens and date farming.

Document shredding, e-waste disposal, and item donation drop-offs were also available.

The event wrapped up at noon, but organizers say they were pleased with today’s turnout and are excited for a bigger event next year.

Stay with News Channel Three to hear from organizers and attendees on the importance of learning sustainable practices this Earth Day.

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Kendall Flynn

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Desert Care Network and One Legacy are honoring the life of ER nurse Anabel Sanchez by raising a flag at JFK Memorial Hospital.

Organizers and Sanchez’s family member say she saved lives in her work, but also continued to do so after death by being an organ donor.

“She touched a lot of lives here at JFK,” Kimberly Garcia, Sanchez’s colleague and friend said. “Through life resuscitation measures or just a ‘How are you doing? Do you need a glass of water?’ She was one of the nurses that you would definitely want to be a part of your care.”

“For her to want to do that and to choose to save anybody in anyway, it’s definitely a big impact, not only on our lives but other people’s lives as well,” Marbella Meraz, Sanchez’s daughter, said.

The organizations joined for the flag raise in honor of Sanchez and National Donate Life Month, which recognizes the generosity of those who have saved and healed lives by becoming donors like Sanchez.

“She selflessly made that decision to make a donation possible,” Stephanie Char, One Legacy Regional Manager of Business Partnerships said. “And with her family’s commitment to honoring her wishes, it was something that we truly were able to help provide that gift of life to those individuals in need.”

Officials with One Legacy say there is a critical need for people to register as donors. Last year, Desert Regional donors helped save 20 lives. Additionally, 45 individuals were provided tissue transplants and 30 people were “given the gift of sight” with cornea transplant.

In 2024, three lives were saved at JFK Memorial Hospital, where Sanchez worked. Though individuals are receiving the care they need, officials say the necessity for organ donors is only increasing.

“There’s 20,000 individuals who are in need for that organ lifesaving [and] gift of life,” Char said. “With that being said, here in the Valley we do see a high need, especially, for individuals who are in need of kidney donations and transplantation.”

One Legacy wants people to look at Sanchez’s and other donors stories of how greatly they impacted the community, and consider the importance of becoming a donor.

“It’s just having those discussions,” Char said. “It’s something that certainly isn’t necessarily a dinner conversation, but it could be something of a topic just to ensure that individuals are aware of what their wants and wishes are, and to ensure that we are also understanding that there is an opportunity to provide a legacy to others after our presence here.”

A legacy Sanchez’s life is now a part of.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear Sanchez’s legacy from her family, and the inspiration she brings for organ donation in the Coachella Valley.

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – With prices for live music soaring, fans are turning to payment plans as a way to afford and pay for their festival tickets.

More than 60% of Coachella attendees this year used the festival’s payment plan, according to Billboard, compared to 18% when the program began at the festival in 2009.

For some, it’s necessary to experience all the music and fun.

“With the plan, yeah. I guess it can be really hard for some people because you are paying a year in advance, like you’re preparing this whole time. It gets really high, especially for camping.”

Joanna, festival-goer

Coachella plans this year required a down payment of at least $50, with the remainder paid monthly. The service requires an additional fee.

While this might be bringing some relief for ticket prices, there are still other costs associated with attending.

“Food is a huge budget, transportation is a big budget.” 

Shira, festival-goer

“Like overtly expensive. We spent 22 dollars on two slices of pizza.” 

Kassra, festival-goer

Attendees say while you can’t escape the high cost, the best way to avoid additional costs is to plan ahead.

“If you prepare correctly and go about it the right way you can avoid a lot of the extra stuff. All the extra things you need, you can bring with you.” 

Leila, festival-goer

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeat the Calgary Wranglers in a 4-3 triple overtime marathon. Game two will be on Saturday back at Acrisure Arena.

Wow! Firebirds defeat the Wranglers in a 4-3 triple overtime marathon. Mitchell Stephens plays hero for Coachella Valley with the game winner. Much needed rest days ahead before Game 2 on Saturday back at Acrisure Arena. @KESQ

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) April 23, 2025

The Firebirds were 6-2-0 against the Wranglers, the Calgary Flames’ American Hockey League affiliate, in the regular season, including a 3-1-0 record at Acrisure Arena.

This is the third consecutive year the teams have met in the playoffs. The Firebirds, the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate, winning both of the previous matchups en route to the Calder Cup Finals.  

The Firebirds (37-25-5-5) were fourth in the 10-team Pacific Division with 84 points. Calgary (37-28-4-3) was fifth with 81 points.   

The entire best-of-three series will be played at Acrisure Arena, with Game 2 Saturday, and Game 3, if necessary, Sunday.

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