Homicide 

July 12, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 10:02 a.m., deputies from the Thermal Sheriff's Station were dispatched to a residence in the 84000 block of Avenue 51, in Coachella, regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon arrival, deputies discovered an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputies rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived and the victim was transported to a local hospital. Deputies were able to locate and identify the suspect in the shooting as Cecilio Nando-Gonzalez (pictured), a 28-year-old resident of Coachella. Nando-Gonzalez was taken into custody and booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility for attempted murder, where he remains in custody.

Thermal Station investigators continued with the investigation and were notified on Thursday, July 10, 2025, that the victim had succumbed to his injuries. The victim in this case was identified as Gustavo Melendrez-Hernandez, a 29-year-old resident of Coachella.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation. Working in conjunction with Thermal Station investigators, the Central Homicide Unit has requested the charge of murder against Cecilio Nando-Gonzalez.

This case is active and ongoing. No additional suspects are believed to be involved, and no further information will be released at this time.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Unit Master Investigator Deanne at (951) 955-2777 or Thermal Station Investigator Burgie at (760) 863-8990

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Mike Kelleher

File # Y251880017

Source & photo: Riverside County Sheriff's Office