DATE: May 23, 2025, at 6:14 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 187 - Murder
LOCATION: 16000 Block of Sequoia Street, Hesperia
SUSPECT 1: Ermes Bustamante, 37, Resident of Victorville
SUSEPCT 2: Jovany Bahena, 35, Resident of Apple Valley
VICTIM(S): Blake Rutledge, 27, Resident of Hesperia
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UPDATED – August 30, 2025, 8:40 a.m.
A second suspect has been identified as Jovany Bahena. On Friday, August 29, 2025, investigators from the Specialized Enforcement Division arrested Bahena at a residence in Apple Valley. Bahena was booked for murder at the High Desert Detention Center and remains in custody.
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UPDATED - May 30, 2025, 12:40 p.m.:
Through continued investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Ermes Bustamante. On May 30, 2025, at 1:15 a.m., Bustamante was located and arrested for PC 187 – Murder. He was booked in at the High Desert Detention Center on $1,000,000 bail.
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SUMMARY:
On Friday, May 23, 2025, deputies from the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station responded to a residence in the 16000 block of Sequoia Street for a report of shots fired. When deputies arrived and entered the residence, they located a male, identified as Blake Rutledge. Rutledge had been shot and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Through investigation, deputies learned several people fled the area soon after the shooting. An area check was conducted but the suspect was not located.
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail responded and assumed the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
Refer: Detective A. Duran
Station: Homicide Detail
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 192502984 H# 2025-037
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
