UPDATE: Suspect in Shooting Death of Man Near the California Aqueduct Identified and Arrested
November 22, 2025 – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at about 6:14 
a.m., Hesperia Station deputies responded to a medical aid call after an unresponsive male was found on the trail along the California Aqueduct. Deputies arrived and found Augustin Martinez deceased.
Through continued investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Kim Eldridge, who shot Martinez at the California Aqueduct. On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division (SWAT) contacted Eldridge at a hotel in Victorville and took him into custody without incident. Eldridge was booked at the High Desert Detention Center where he remains without bail.
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail responded and assumed the investigation. The suspect has not been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78- CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com.
DATE: Sunday, November 9, 2025 / 6:14 a.m.,
INCIDENT: PC187 – Murder
LOCATION: Muscatel Street, near the California Aqueduct, Hesperia
SUSPECT(S): Kim Eldridge, 61-year-old Male Resident of Victorville
VICTIM(S): Augustin Martinez, 40-years-old, Transient
Refer: Detective E. Badillo
Station: Homicide Detail
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. H# 2025-098 DR# 192506696
Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
