Twentynine Palms murder trial suspended for reports on suspect’s mental health
The trial of a man suspected of murder and kidnapping in Twentynine Palms has been suspended as a judge will consider whether he is fit to stand trial.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department says that on Thursday (June 18) at around 8:30 p.m., Bristen Banales, a 30 year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, shot two people in the area of Lupine Avenue in Twentynine Palms. A witness told Z107.7 that Banales dropped the gun and fled into the open desert. One victim was flown to a hospital for treatment for gunshot wounds.
The following day (June 19) another victim called 911. The victim told deputies he had been kidnapped by Banales. As part of their investigation, the Sheriff’s Department found a third victim who they say had been shot by Banales. This victim was pronounced dead at the scene from suspect gunshot wounds. He was identified as Robert Murphy, a 62 year-old resident of Twentynine Palms. Banales was quickly located and taken into custody.
Banales was arraigned on five felony charges including murder, attempted murder, assault, kidnapping, and shooting at an inhabited dwelling, with enhancements. Banales pled “not guilty” to all charges.
At a pre-preliminary hearing on Tuesday (June 30), Judge James Taylor suspended criminal proceedings until he could hear medical reports regarding Banales. Court records indicate that a “mental health doubt” was declared. Banales was assigned a mental health practitioner and is set to return to court for a hearing on confirmation of medical reports on August 5. He remains in custody without bail.
