Christmas Day Attack Turns Fatal, Murder Charge Filed

LOMA LINDA, CA — A Christmas Day attack in front of Veterans' Village in Loma Linda led to the arrest of a suspect who was booked on suspicion of attempted murder.

Now that man is facing a murder charge after the victim died Feb. 1 from his injuries, the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department announced Thursday.

Kendi Narmer Pakeybey, 57, of San Bernardino is accused of killing 46-year-old Brandon James Wilson of Loma Linda.

The investigation began around 1:20 p.m. Christmas Day when deputies were called to Loma Linda Veterans’ Village at 25281 Van Leuven Street regarding a man bleeding from his head. The victim was found on a sidewalk in front of the housing complex, according to the sheriff's department.

The seriously injured man, later identified as Wilson, was unresponsive and was sent to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment. It's unclear whether he ever regained consciousness.

The sheriff's department released a suspect description based on witnesses' accounts. Police said the alleged assailant, later identified as Pakeybey, was seen on foot carrying an aluminum pole or baseball bat.

Investigators caught up with Pakeybey Jan. 8 at Mountain View Avenue and Juanita Street in Loma Linda, according to the sheriff's department. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

With Wilson's Feb. 1 death, Pakeybey is now facing a murder count. The defendant is being held at county jail in Adelanto and is ineligible for bail, jail records show. A court date of Feb. 15 is set for him, according to the records.

A possible motive for the alleged attack was not disclosed and it's unclear whether the two men were acquainted.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Deputy R. Olivares of the Sheriff's Central Station at 909-387-3545. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are asked to call the We-Tip Hotline at 800-78CRIME (27436) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.