Tragedy Strikes Remote Desert: Neighbor Arrested for Murder After Man Found Dead in San Bernardino County

A quiet, remote stretch of the San Bernardino County desert near El Mirage became the scene of a somber discovery this past week, as authorities launched a murder investigation following the death of a local man. The incident, believed to have escalated from a heated argument between neighbors, has led to the arrest of a 53-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Hesperia Station were dispatched to the desolate desert area on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, around 5:10 p.m.

The call reported a man down in the desert. Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, identified as 47-year-old Richard Anthony Hernandez of El Mirage, who displayed signs of trauma. Despite immediate efforts, Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.

The initial investigation quickly pointed towards a dispute with a neighbor.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division were called in to take over the case. Their rigorous inquiry led them to the victim's neighbor, Michael Arthur Oates, also 53, of El Mirage. Oates was interviewed by detectives, and during the course of the investigation, he admitted to being involved in an argument with Hernandez that day.

Following the interview and the collection of crucial evidence at the scene, detectives had sufficient grounds to believe Oates was responsible for Hernandez's death.

Michael Arthur Oates was subsequently arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center on charges of murder. He is currently being held without bail, awaiting further legal proceedings.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department urges anyone with additional information regarding this tragic incident to come forward.

Witnesses or individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact Detective R. Stucki or Sergeant J. Williams of the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through We-Tip by calling 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or by visiting their website at www.wetip.com.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the full circumstances surrounding this desert tragedy.