Murder suspect arrested after hours-long standoff in Coachella, victim ID’d
Update 1/29/25
The Riverside County coroner's office identified the person killed Monday night as James Edward Montenegro, 34, of Coachella.
Original Report - 1/28/25
COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — A deadly assault in Coachella on Monday night left one person dead and a suspect in custody, authorities said.
Deputies were dispatched to the 51800 block of Calle Empalme at 10:18 p.m., following reports of an assault with a deadly weapon.
When they arrived, they found the victim unresponsive and bleeding. Despite attempts to save the victim's life, they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect fled on foot but was later found inside an adjoining trailer and refused to exit. After a standoff that lasted several hours, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody, officials said.
Authorities identified the suspect as a 44-year-old man from Coachella. He was booked into jail and faces a murder charge.
The Central Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation, which is ongoing.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Gonzalez at (951) 533-4629.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.