David Joaquin Murrieta, 20, of Desert Hot Springs, California, was found dead on January 21, 2021. His remains were located in an open area at the southeast corner of Mission Lakes Boulevard and Little Morongo Road, buried in a shallow grave beneath a set of metal springs. The autopsy reported three gunshot wounds: one entering the back of his head, one from the left side of his head, and one from the right side of his chin.

Investigators linked the case to Jose Manuel Angel Arellano, 21, of La Quinta, who was arrested February 17, 2021, after traveling from Tijuana to give his account. Arellano said he, Murrieta, and Gabriel Vago Magdaleno were together on January 14, 2021; he alleged an argument between Murrieta and Magdaleno led Magdaleno to shoot Murrieta. Arellano said he and Magdaleno then buried the body and that he burned his clothes before fleeing to Mexico.

Arellano was charged with murder and held on $1 million bail; a judge found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and an arraignment was scheduled for February 16, 2023. Gabriel Magdaleno was later arrested December 13, 2022, and charged with murder and an enhancing firearm allegation, held on $1 million bail. Does anyone have information about Murrieta’s movements on January 14, 2021, or about those involved that could help investigators?