UPDATE: Suspect Identified and Arrested for a 2022 Murder in Apple Valley
May 1, 2025 – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on April 29, 2025, after a tireless investigation, 
Homicide detectives identified Antonio Rodriguez as the suspect responsible for the murder of Robert Schmidt Jr.
Schmidt Jr. was found in a dirt field with stab wounds in October of 2022.
On Monday, April 28, 2025, Rodriguez was booked at High Desert Detention Center for PC 187(a) – Murder and is currently being held without bail.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Jacob Rollins with the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, at (909) 890-4904. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call We-Tip at 1-800-78CRIME or visit www.wetip.com.
Original information: On Tuesday, October 18, 2022, deputies with the Apple Valley Police Department responded to the 13500 block of Navajo Road, to investigate a man down call. Upon arrival, deputies located Robert Schmidt Jr. Schmidt had suffered traumatic injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, responded and are conducting the investigation. No suspect has been identified, at this time. Further information will be released when available.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Michelle Del Rio, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
DATE/TIME: October 18, 2022, 9:04 a.m.
INCIDENT: Homicide Investigation
LOCATION: 13500 block of Navajo Road, Apple Valley
SUSPECT(S): Antonio Rodriguez, 26-year-old resident of Apple Valley
VICTIM(S): Robert Schmidt Jr., 16-year-old resident of Apple Valley
Refer: Detective J. Rollins
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. (909) 890-4904
Case No. DR#182205248 H#2022-134
Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
