HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) \u2014 Detectives have identified and arrested the suspect accused of fatally shooting 40-year-old Augustin Martinez near the California Aqueduct earlier this month.<\/p>\n
According to an updated release, investigators determined that Kim Eldridge, a 61-year-old resident of Victorville, was responsible for the shooting.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, members of the Sheriff\u2019s Specialized Enforcement Division (SWAT) contacted Eldridge at a hotel in Victorville and took him into custody without incident.<\/p>\n
He was booked into the High Desert Detention Center, where he remains held without bail.<\/p>\n
The update follows the original response on Sunday, November 9, 2025, when Hesperia Station deputies were called to a medical aid report at about 6:14 a.m. after an unresponsive man was found along the aqueduct trail near Muscatel Street. Martinez, described as a transient, was pronounced deceased at the scene.<\/p>\n
The Sheriff\u2019s Specialized Investigations Division \u2013 Homicide Detail assumed the investigation.<\/p>\n
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be submitted to We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME or online at wetip.com.<\/p>\n
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