Update on Homicide in Unincorporated El Cajon
September 21, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that on September 16, 2025, at about 1:35 a.m., 
deputies from the Lakeside Sheriff's Substation responded to an apartment complex located at 425 E. Bradley Avenue, in unincorporated El Cajon, reference an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon their arrival, deputies discovered an adult male victim suffering from traumatic injuries inside an apartment. Deputies immediately began CPR until paramedics arrived and assumed lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced deceased.
The decedent has been identified as 34-year-old, Cory Alexander Desarno, a resident of the East County of San Diego. The San Diego Sheriff's Office extends our sympathies to the Desarno family and all those affected by Mr. Desarno's passing.
Sheriff's Homicide detectives are conducting an investigation, interviewing witnesses, and gathering more evidence. At this stage of the investigation, the motivation and circumstances of the crime are still under investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office
