A Joshua Tree resident and owner of the Joshua Tree Coffee Company was shot and killed by Riverside County deputies following a possible road rage incident in La Quinta Monday morning. According to Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, a suspect later identified by family members as Royce Robertson of Joshua Tree, was involved in a verbal confrontation with another driver shortly before 7 a.m. Monday, February 15, at the intersection of Simon Drive and Highway 111 in the city of La Quinta. After the confrontation, Robertson reportedly followed the other driver into a nearby parking lot, exited his vehicle, pointed a handgun at the other driver, and asked the driver if he wanted to die. Robertson then returned to his vehicle and the other driver called 911. Deputies followed Robertson into the Desert Horizons Country Club in Indian Wells where Robertson reportedly exited his vehicle and produced a handgun. A deputy-involved shooting occurred, and Robertson was struck by gunfire. Despite life-saving measures, Robertson was declared deceased at the scene.
In a press conference Tuesday (February 16), Royce’s sister Demetria Robertson voiced her frustration in not being able to get information from the DA or the case Investigator regarding the incident, stating “I was Googling trying to find out what happened to my brother.” Demetria went on to say that the report “did not match up to who my brother is. [He was] a non-violent individual who wanted to help people. He believed that is why he was put on this earth. We want to know what happened; we want to know the truth.” The case is currently under investigation.
As well as being the owner of the Joshua Tree Coffee Co., Royce also owned and operated a hemp-ware store, a local art gallery, and multiple booths at the Joshua Tree Farmers Market. The case is under investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s department. More information will be reported as it becomes available.
More information will be reported as it becomes available.
