Suspect in Morongo Valley murder arraigned, pleads “not guilty”
As one of the victims remains in a hospital for treatment, the suspect in a Morongo Valley stabbing was arraigned on six felony counts this week, including murder and attempted murder.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s responded to the Roadrunner Mobile Home Park in Morongo Valley at 3:15 a.m. on November 5. They found two victims who were stabbed. Ross Mercer, a 58 year-old resident of the mobile home park, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 59 year-old woman was taken to a hospital for treatment.
On Monday, November 10, Duarte was arraigned in San Bernardino County Superior Court on six felony charges including murder, attempted murder, burglary, arson, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and attempted arson.
He is facing additional enhancements for prior violent felonies. In 2015, Duarte was convicted of domestic violence and selling weapons
Duarte pleaded “not guilty” to all charges, and denied all enhancements.
Duarte is being held at the West Valley Detention Center without bail. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on November 20.
