Family members question the murder of Cathedral City man

A 19-year-old man was killed after being shot several times in Cathedral City early Thursday morning.

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Anthony Carlos Baltazar. News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 also confirmed his identity after speaking to his family near the scene of the crime around 11 a.m. Thursday.

Cathedral City police and homicide investigators were called to the 31400 block of Baristo Road at 12:30 a.m., in a neighborhood a block northeast of Ramon Road and Date Palm Drive.

They found Baltazar lying in the front yard of a home on the northeast corner of Baristo Road and San Eljay Avenue. He had been shot several times.

“Well, I heard the gunshots about 12, 12:10, little bit past 12,” recalled a neighbor. “(I) heard three shots, stayed inside, came out like 10 minutes later. I was right by my door and I heard him yell once. I’m not sure what he yelled, but I think he said help.” Baltazar was still moaning when residents called police to report hearing gunshots. Police said Baltazar was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.

Investigators spent the early morning hours searching the area for shell casings and any other evidence. The Riverside County Coroner’s Office removed his body shortly after 5 a.m.

Family members remain baffled as to why Baltazar would walk 13 blocks from their home near Avenida El Mundo and Baristo Road. “I thought he was going to a friend’s house that lives on the next block,” said Allen Ramsey, the uncle of the victim. “I had no idea what he would be doing over here in this area. He has no enemies, he kicks it with maybe two or three friends. You know, he’s a good kid, never bothered anybody.”

Police released no immediate suspect descriptions and the investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone with information about the shooting should call the Cathedral City Police Department at (760) 770-0300.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 for updates.