Suspect in 2025 murder of Michael Ramos Jr. returns to court Thursday (8/13)

Adeline J. Wells Adeline J. Wells Send an email August 13, 2026

Nicholas Lee returns to court Thursday morning (August 13) for an early disposition hearing before Judge Sarah Oliver. 

Lee is the suspect in a shooting from 2025 that resulted in the death of eighteen-year-old Michael Ramos Jr. On the evening of December 21, 2025, Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a shooting at a party in Yucca Valley, where they found Ramos suffering from a critical gunshot wound. Ramos was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs; after several days, he was taken off life support and died from his injuries on December 26. 

Nicholas Lee is charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder related to a second victim. He is currently held at the San Bernardino County Central Detention Center on $2,500,000 bail. He was last in court on June 30, when his defense requested additional time to prepare for the case. 

Suspect in murder of Michael Ramos Jr. returns to court

Stay tuned for a report from court.

Adeline J. Wells Adeline J. Wells Send an email August 13, 2026
Adeline J. Wells

Adeline J. Wells

Adeline J. Wells is a reporter and on-air DJ at Z107.7. A native of the Midwest, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin with degrees in Political Science and Environmental Studies. When not writing, she enjoys desert drives, learning to play the banjo, and going dancing.