HESPERIA, Ca. – An altercation which led to the murder of a Hesperia man remains under investigation on Sunday morning.
On Saturday, January 25, 2020, at around 5:47 p.m. multiple reports of an altercation near Third Street and Yucca Avenue in the City of Hesperia were made to sheriff’s dispatchers . Moments later reports were made about shots fired and a gunshot wound victim. As a patrol unit that was in the area responded and attempted to stop a vehicle fleeing from the area. The driver failed to stop leading the deputy on a short pursuit. The vehicle eventually crashed. Gabriel Montufar, 27, of Hesperia was arrested and a second unknown suspect fled out of the area on foot.
Meanwhile, the victim was found in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. An air ambulance was ordered with a landing zone at Desert Valley Hospital while paramedics attempted to sustain the life of victim, Joseph Sandoval, 29, of Hesperia. When Sandoval arrived at the hospital, his condition declined and he was rushed into the emergency room where he was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.
The reason for the altercation leading to the shooting remains under investigation at this time.
Homicide Detectives responded to conduct the investigation. After an interview with Detectives, Gabriel Montufar was arrested for murder and booked at High Desert Detention Center.
Detectives are asking anyone in the area who witnessed the fight and/or shooting, or anyone with home security cameras that captured the incident, to contact Detective Josh Guerry, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
