Investigation of Homicide 

June 25, 2024 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 1:29 p.m., deputies assigned to the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to Varner Road and Ramon Road, in the unincorporated community of Thousand Palms, regarding a fatal hit and run investigation the California Highway Patrol was investigating. During the course of the hit and run investigation, California Highway Patrol Officers determined the incident was intentional and requested the Riverside County Sheriff's Office to resume the investigation.

Responding deputies arrived and secured the area, which was closed to all vehicle and foot traffic. Investigators from Palm Desert Station, Central Homicide Unit, and the Coroner’s Bureau were notified and responded to the scene. Investigators from the Central Homicide Unit assumed control of the investigation.  Personnel from the Riverside County Coroner's Office notified the victim’s next of kin. The victim in this case has been identified as 48-year-old Robert Ernest Rodriguez, a resident of Desert Hot Springs.

During the course of this investigation, Erick Robert Cowdery, a 30-year-old resident of Palm Desert was arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for murder. This investigation is still ongoing and no additional information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Cline with the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777 or Investigator Munoz with the Palm Desert Station at (760) 836-1600.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Rafael Victorio

File # O241750019

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office