Victorville Child Rape Suspect Dies While In Custody

Man Stabbed to Death in Downtown Victorville

Victorville Home Explodes Cause Unknown

ADELANTO, Ca. – An 56-year-old inmate awaiting trial for allegedlyl raping of a 12-year-old girl who was a reported runaway suffered a medical emergency later dying, authorities said.

Authorities said that the Phelan girl was a runaway when she met Armando Padilla on March 22, 2017. Padilla, who was 53-years-old at the time that he allegedly picked up the girl and took her to his home in the 10400 block of Maricopa in the City of Victorville. According to Sheriff’s officials, Padilla gave her something to drink and sexually assaulted her.

The girl was able to leave the home and was treated at St. Mary’s Hospital where her family met her. The case was investigated and during a search of Padilla’s home, clothing belonging to the child was found inside Padilla’s home. Other evidence which corroborated her account of the incident was also collected leading to his arrest on March 24, 2019.

On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at around 8:00 a.m. deputies at the High Desert Detention Center were made aware that Padilla was suffering from an unknown medical emergency. An ambulance arrived and transported Padilla to Victor Valley Global Medical Center for treatment. Padulla was pronounced dead at the hospital at around 10:14 a.m.

Sheriff’s officials said that detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division responded to conduct the investigation. An autopsy will be conducted by the Riverside County Coroner to determine the cause of death.

Armando Padilla was arrested on March 24, 2017 and booked for Lewd & Lascivious Acts with a Child, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, probation violation and Resisting a Peace Officer. He was facing two counts of rape by force or fear, two counts of force of oral sex with person under 14-years-old, Sexual penetration by foreign object on child under 14-years-old, and Adult giving a controlled substance to a minor. Padilla pleaded not guilty to all counts and was due back in court on November 8, 2019.

The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Gardea, Specialized Investigations Division at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.