Talented Young Athlete Identified as Man Killed in Victorville Home Depot Shooting

VICTORVILLE – A 27-year-old man who worked hard to achieve his dreams despite losses early on was shot dead on Friday. Witness accounts are nothing less than chilling with some describing the victim, now identified as Robert Curtis Jr. crouching his 6’10” body behind a black sedan attempting to protect himself from approximately four shots fired in his direction. The motive still unknown; the suspects still at large authorities said.

On Friday, May 26, 2017, Victorville Station deputies and emergency medical personnel rushed over to the Home Depot located on Roy Rogers Drive near Civic Drive. When they arrived they found Curtis unresponsive and suffering from at least one gunshot wound. CPR was administered before and while he was transported to a Victor Valley Global Regional Medical Center. Despite lifesaving efforts, Curtis died as a result of his injuries shortly after arriving.

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Witnesses said that there was an argument leading to a shooting. Curtis was shot by a suspect who then got into a vehicle with two other people and fled the scene in a black 4-door sedan, possibly an older Honda Civic. The vehicle was last seen heading westbound toward Amargosa Road. The suspect was only described as a black man with short hair, who was wearing a long sleeve brown shirt and blue jeans. The parking lot was closed with crime scene tape for the investigation.

Curtis, who was born on January 15, 1990, and was raised in the City of Pomona. At the young age of 5, Curtis lost his father, Robert Curtis Sr. to a shooting and his mother, Starlea Hall was diagnosed with brain cancer approximately 4 years ago. Curtis went on graduate from Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo. He went on to play basketball for Saddleback College, which is a community college in Mission Viejo. Although colleges were eyeing the obviously talented basketball star, Curtis decided to move on to a professional career. In 2012, Curtis was selected in the 2012 NBL Canada draft. He followed his dreams playing for the National Basketball League of Canada for several seasons.

He also had a passion and talent for football, which his mother was against due to the higher risk of injuries. Finally, he got his mother’s blessing to pursue his true love [football] and played for the LaBelle Community Football League, a semi-professional league.

The investigation is ongoing and authorities are seeking any information that may lead to the arrest of the armed and dangerous suspect and/or those with him. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Scott Stafford or Sergeant Robert Warrick, Homicide Detail (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com