Photo: Maciel Rogelio Cruz
PALM SPRINGS – PSPD officers responded to a call at the Musicland Hotel after an occupant did not check out on time. Officers arrived at noon to 1342 S. Palm Canyon and discovered a body in the bathtub.
Officers reported the death as suspicious and the detective unit arrived, concluding it was a homicide.
Jason Banks
Further investigation led them to identify 36-year-old Rogelio Cruz Maciel as the suspect.
Cruz has “an extensive criminal history” around violent crimes and narcotics sales. He is also “currently on Post Release Community Supervision (AB109) for being a felon in possession of ammunition.”
The next day at 4:45 p.m. arrested Maciel in the 73-800 block of San Nicholas Avenue.
Later authorities released the victim’s name – Jason Banks. Investigators either do not have or will not yet releases other details in this case.
Cruz has since entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment. His bail is $1 million.
“Investigators are in search of further leads and witnesses. If you know anything about this investigation, please contact The PSPD at 760-778-8411. Or, you can provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.”
