Twentynine Palms Homicide Investigation Leads to Arrest of Kidnapping and Shooting Suspect
TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA — On Thursday, June 18, 2026, at approximately 8:32 p.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at a residence in the 6300 block of Lupine Avenue in Twentynine Palms. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male who had been shot by an unknown male suspect. The suspect fled the scene before law enforcement arrived and was not immediately located. The injured man was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive his injuries.
The following day, Friday, June 19, 2026, at approximately 12:49 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a kidnapping at a residence located in the 6100 block of Lupine Avenue. The subsequent investigation revealed that the victim from the previous night’s shooting and a second individual, identified as 62-year-old Twentynine Palms resident Robert Murphy, had been targeted by a suspect identified as 30-year-old Bristen Banales, also a resident of Twentynine Palms. Authorities determined that Banales kidnapped the initial shooting victim and shot Murphy. Murphy was located at the scene with a single gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased.
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail subsequently assumed control of the investigation. Following the acquisition of an arrest warrant, the Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division initiated a search for the suspect. Banales was located and taken into custody within a short period. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on charges of murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping, where he remains held without bail.
The investigation is ongoing under Case No. H2026-062 and DR# 202600921, led by Detective L. Kerr and Sergeant N. Clark of the Homicide Detail. Members of the public with relevant information are requested to contact the Homicide Detail directly, or submit anonymous tips via the We-Tip phone line, text message system, or the provided department website.
