Sheriff's Homicide Detail Solves 3 Year Old Cold Case 
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 26, 2014 / 4:00 P.M.
INCIDENT: Arrest in 2011 Murder Investigation
LOCATION: Apple Valley Police Station
VICTIM: Rhonda McClain, 41, Apple Valley, California
SUSPECT: Rafael Chavez, 49, Apple Valley, California
SUMMARY:
On Monday, March 7, 2011, at approximately 5:50 P.M., Rafael Chavez called 911 to report that he found his girlfriend Rhonda McClain submerged and unresponsive in their bathtub.
First responders were suspicious of the circumstances and called homicide investigators to assist with the investigation. The autopsy revealed McClain had elevated levels of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in her system and the cause of death was probable drowning.
On August 26, 2014, Detective Jerry Davenport and Sergeant John Gaffney interviewed Rafael Chavez. At the conclusion of the interview, Chavez was arrested and booked into the San Bernardino County High Desert Detention Center for McClain’s murder.
The San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney’s Office filed one count of murder against Chavez.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Homicide Detail, Sergeant John Gaffney or Detective Jerry Davenport at (909) 387-3589. 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: Sergeant John Gaffney/ Detective Jerry Davenport
Station: Homicide Detail
Phone No. (909) 387-3589
Case No. 181101639 H-2011-016
John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700
