Homicide Detectives Attempting to Locate Suspect Who Murdered Barstow Man

BARSTOW, Calif. – Authorities are asking for the public’s help to locate a murder suspect who they consider armed and dangerous.

On Friday, June 21, 2019, at around 9:45 p.m. Barstow police were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 900 block of South Second Avenue for the report of gunshots in the area. As they approached the area, a vehicle was observed speeding out of the area. The vehicle was stopped and the occupants in the vehicle explained that there was a large fight between several people in the apartment complex. The fight led to one subject producing a gun and shooting. One of their passengers was injured and they were taking him to Barstow Community Hospital for injuries sustained in the fight.

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Through further investigation at the scene, they learned that Wendell Holmes Jr. has sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was driven to Barstow Community Hospital. Despite lifesaving measures, he died as a result of his injuries.

Michael Morris, 30, of Las Vegas, Nevada was identified as the suspect involved in the shooting. Homicide Detectives processed the scene and collected evidence related to the shooting. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Coroner also responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

Through investigation, it was learned that Morris and Holmes were involved in an ongoing dispute. On June 21, 2019, Holmes and several other subjects went to the apartment complex in the 900 block of South Second Avenue which resulted in a large fight between numerous female subjects related to Morris and Holmes. Morris produced a handgun and shot Holmes. Morris was identified by witnesses and through video surveillance.

Detectives obtained warrant for PC 187(a) – Murder for the arrest of Michael Morris for the shooting death of Wendell Holmes. Morris has not been apprehended and should be considered Armed and Dangerous.

Barstow Police Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Morris who was last seen in the City of Barstow on Sunday, June 23, 2019. If Morris is located he should not be approached. Anyone who sees Morris should contact the Barstow Police Dispatch Center at (760) 256-2211.

Anyone with information may contact Detective Lewis at the Barstow Police Department, (760) 255-5187. Those wishing to remain anonymous may also call the WE-Tip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or on We-Tip’s website at www.wetip.com.