Shooting Victim Dies, Coachella Man Now Facing Possible Murder Charge

COACHELLA, CA — A 29-year-old Coachella resident is now facing a possible murder charge after a man he allegedly shot died from his injuries, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced.

Cecilio Nando-Gonzalez, 28, of Coachella was arrested July 7 on suspicion of attempted murder and other felony charges in the shooting of Gustavo Melendrez-Hernandez, 29, of Coachella.

The arrest followed an investigation that began that same morning at a home in the 84000 block of Avenue 51 in Coachella. According to the sheriff's department, deputies were called to the scene regarding a shooting. When they arrived, they found Melendrez-Hernandez suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was sent to a local hospital, and on July 10, he succumbed to his injuries.

The sheriff's Central Homicide Unit is now requesting a charge of murder against Nando-Gonzalez.

No additional suspects are being sought in the case, according to the sheriff's department.

Nando-Gonzalez is being held at John Benoit Detention Center in Indio in lieu of $1 million bail. He is due in court on July 21, according to jail records.

Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Central Homicide Unit Master Investigator Deanne at 951-955-2777 or Thermal Station Investigator Burgie at 760-863-8990.