HESPERIA, CA — Hesperia detectives have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred earlier this month near the California Aqueduct. The incident was initially reported on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at approximately 6:14 a.m. in the vicinity of Muscatel Street.
The victim was identified as Augustin Martinez, a 40-year-old individual described as transient. Following the initial response and investigation, detectives continued to pursue leads related to the case.
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, investigators identified the suspect as Kim Eldridge, a 61-year-old male resident of Victorville. Eldridge is alleged to have shot Martinez at the California Aqueduct location.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division (SWAT) located and subsequently contacted Eldridge at a hotel in Victorville. Authorities took him into custody without incident. The arrest was formally announced in an update on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 6:45 p.m.
Eldridge was transported and booked into the High Desert Detention Center. He is being held on suspicion of violating Penal Code 187, Murder, and is currently detained without bail. A records search indicates that Eldridge has been arrested a number of times over the years – those arrest may be viewed here.
