Full Notification

DATE/TIME: November 19, 2014

INCIDENT: PC 273ab(b) – Assault resulting in death, comatose state or paralysis

LOCATION: Joshua Tree

VICTIM: 5 ½ month old female

SUSPECTS: John Rafeal Jeter, 24, Joshua Tree

SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, November 19, 2014, deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s station received a report that a 5 ½ month old female victim was taken to High Desert Medical Center suffering from a brain hemorrhage. The victim was flown to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Doctors said the victim was in a state of comatose as a result of her injuries. Detectives from the Crimes against Children Detail assisted with the investigation.

Through investigation, the suspect was identified as John Rafeal Jeter, a Marine stationed at 29 Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. The victim is the daughter of Jeter’s girlfriend.

On November 21, 2014 Investigators conducted interviews with Jeter. He was subsequently arrested and booked into Central Detention Center. Jeter was booked for PC 273ab(b), Assault resulting in death, comatose state, or paralysis of a child under 8 years of age. Jeter is being held on $500,000 bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on December 9, 2014 in Morongo Basin Superior Court.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Jacob Gault or Sergeant Dana Foster (909) 387-3651. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Detective Jacob Gault or Sergeant Dana Foster

Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Crimes Against Children Detail

Phone No.: (909)387-3615

Case No. DR# 091401555

JOHN MCMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department