On July 7, 2025, deputies from the Thermal Sheriff's Station responded to an assault with a deadly weapon in Coachella. They found an adult male with a gunshot wound and provided medical aid until paramedics arrived. The victim was taken to a local hospital.
The suspect, identified as Cecilio Nando-Gonzalez, a 28-year-old resident of Coachella, was arrested and charged with attempted murder. He is currently held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility.
On July 10, investigators were informed that the victim, Gustavo Melendrez-Hernandez, a 29-year-old resident of Coachella, had died from his injuries. As a result, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office Central Homicide Unit took over the investigation and requested a murder charge against Nando-Gonzalez.
The case remains active with no other suspects involved. Authorities are withholding further details at this time.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Central Homicide Unit Master Investigator Deanne or Thermal Station Investigator Burgie.
For media inquiries related to this case, please reach out to the Media Information Bureau.
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