18-year-old Coachella murder suspect pleads not guilty to multiple charges

An 18-year-old suspect charged along with a teenager of killing another 18-year-old man in Coachella was charged today with murder and robbery.

Fabian Diaz pleaded not guilty to the charges Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, according to case records. Diaz and the 17-year-old boy also accused in the case are both Coachella residents.

The charges against Diaz include sentencing enhancements for discharge of a firearm, as well as enhancements for intentional murder and murder during the commission of a robbery, according to case records.

He is due back in court for a felony settlement conference on Nov. 7.

Due to his age, the name of the 17-year-old suspect was not released.

Deputies responded to the 84900 block of Calle Rojo around 10:35 p.m. Aug. 28 to a report of shots being fired, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.

They found an 18-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies rendered medical aid, but the victim, who was later identified as Isaac Gonzalez of Coachella, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Diaz and the teen suspect were arrested Friday on suspicion of murder, robbery and conspiracy. Diaz was booked into the Southwest Detention Center where he was being held on $1 million bail, and the 17-year-old was booked into juvenile hall.

Additional details were not immediately released. It was unclear what the suspects may have stolen from the victim.  

Anyone with additional information about the death was encouraged to contact investigator D. Robertson or investigator J. Newby at 951-955-2777.