One Hiker Rescued & a Second Found Deceased in Deep Creek Area

Apple Valley Felon Arrested for Stealing Running Car

Two 19-Year-Old Apple Valley Men Arrested for Murder

APPLE VALLEY – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue were called out to the Deep Creek area of Apple Valley on Sunday, August 19, 2018, at around 7:35 p.m.

The reporting party indicated that Everardo Mercado, 31, of Santa Ana, and his brother went to the area and hiked to Deep Creek Hot Springs and Mercado lost sight of his brother. He reported that he saw his brother last as he swam in one of the large pools at the hot springs. When he no longer saw his brother, he began searching for them and then asked for the help of other hikers to help him locate his brother. The hikers were unable to locate his missing brother and his brother was reported missing.

A search was organized to locate the brothers. On Monday, August 20, 2018, Ernesto was located and flown out to a local hospital for treatment of dehydration and other minor injuries. The body of another male adult was located, faced down and deceased. The deceased male is believed to be the missing brother, but the Coroner’s office will determine the cause of death and positively identify him.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Detective W. Doemner at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, (760) 552-6800. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can report information to WeTip by calling 1-800-78-CRIME, or by accessing the website at www.wetip.com.