18yearold Charged with Murder of Twentynine Palms Marine and Attempted Murder of Two Twentynine Palms Residents

By: William Redman

Community Writer

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A man holding a tire iron in a hoodie walking up to a grey SUV
On May 23, 2024, the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Rudy Garcia Jr. for an alleged violent crime spree, included multiple assaults, carjacking, and murder of USMC Gunnery Sgt. Robert McDonald, 35.   GySgt. McDonald was an active-duty Marine stationed at Marine Corps Logistic Operations Group Twentynine Palms. There appears to be no connection between any of the victims to the defendant.   The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against Rudy Garcia Jr.:   Count 1 - PC187(a)– Murder Count 2 - PC215(a) - Attempted carjacking Count 3 - PC211 1B– Attempted second degree robbery Counts 4 & 5 - PC187(a)– Willful, deliberate, and premeditated attempted murder Counts 6 &7 - PC245(b)– Assault with a semiautomatic firearm – personal use of a firearm   Additionally special allegations have been filed on all counts.   Defendant Garcia Jr. is scheduled to be video arraigned May 24, 2024 at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Courthouse dept R16, at 8:30am. Court Case #FMB24000194