The suspect in the murder of Robert McDonald on Monday night (May 20) at Knott’s Sky Park is expected to be arraigned this morning (May 24) in San Bernardino County’s Rancho Cucamonga courthouse on numerous felony charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault, attempted robbery, and attempted carjacking, along with a number of enhancements for discharging a firearm.
Rudy Garcia Jr. – an 18 year-old resident of Twentynine Palms – was arrested for investigation into murder Monday night. The Sheriff’s Department says that Garcia fired a gun into a group of people on a public street in Twentynine Palms, before fleeing to Knott’s Sky Park. They say he attempted to steal a car parked near dog park, shooting and killing the owner of the car who was inside the vehicle with his dog.
Deputies say Garcia then continued on foot, where he was found a short time later near the intersection of Sullivan Ave and Eucalyptus Ave. A gun believed to be involved in the incident was recovered. San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office described Garcia’s alleged actions as a “violent crime spree” through the streets of Twentynine Palms.
UPDATED 4:30 p.m.: Garcia entered pleas of “not guilty” to all charges at his arraignment.
The man killed by gunfire on Monday night (May 20) Robert McDonald, was a 35 year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, and has been identified as an active Marine.
Officials with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center confirmed that McDonald was a Gunnery Sergeant serving as an Operational Contract Support Specialist. He had been serving in the Marine Corps since he enlisted on June 7, 2010.
An official with the base provided a statement about McDonald’s death, saying, “The command is grieving with the family and fellow Marines of the deceased and is working diligently to provide them with much-needed support during this difficult time.”
