Morongo Valley Man Arrested for Murder and Assault Following Home Incident
MORONGO VALLEY, CA – On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at approximately 3:10 a.m., deputies from the Morongo Station responded to a report of an unknown problem in the 51000 block of Twentynine Palms Highway in Morongo Valley. Upon arriving at the residence, deputies located an adult female who had visible lacerations to the left side of her face, neck, and left shoulder area.
The subsequent investigation revealed the adult female, identified as Victim 2, had been asleep on a chair inside the residence and woke up to observe the suspect, identified only as “Rocky,” in the kitchen. Authorities stated that the suspect then stabbed an adult male, identified as Victim 1, resulting in his death, and also stabbed Victim 2 before leaving the scene. Victim 1, a 58-year-old male resident of Morongo Valley, was deceased at the location. His identity is pending notification of next of kin. Victim 2 is a 59-year-old adult female resident of Morongo Valley.
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail responded to the location and took over the investigation. Detectives determined that the suspect, identified as Rocky Duarte, a 41-year-old resident of Morongo Valley, was known to reside in a separate dwelling at the same address.
The Specialized Enforcement Division (SED) was contacted and deployed to the location to assist in apprehending the individual. Duarte was subsequently located inside his residence and was arrested without further incident on a charge of PC 187 – Murder. He is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904.
Image courtesy of San Bernardino County Sheriff
