Homicide Investigation 

March 28, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that during the course of the investigation, homicide investigators identified two suspects involved in the murder as Christopher Balderrama, an 18-year-old resident of Thermal, and a 17-year-old male resident of Mecca.

On March 19, 2026, homicide investigators arrested Balderrama in Thermal with the assistance of the Riverside County Gang Task Force and Major Crimes Unit. Balderrama was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for murder.

On March 26, 2026, homicide investigators arrested the 17-year-old male in Mecca with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Team and Major Crimes Unit. The juvenile was booked into the Indio Juvenile Hall for murder.

Related: Riverside County Deputies Investigating Homicide of a 17-Year-Old Girl Shot and Killed in Mecca

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

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Alberto Loureiro

File # C250850001

Source & photo: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office