Man Behind Bars for Allegedly Fatally Shooting Man in Desert Hot Springs

DESERT HOT SPRINGS (CNS) – A 19-year-old man was being held without bail today for allegedly fatally shooting a man in Desert Hot Springs in December. Jorge Alberto Valdez of Desert Hot Springs was charged last month with one felony count of murder with special enhancements for discharging a firearm causing great bodily harm and a special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of a robbery. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment last week. The Desert Hot Springs Police Department responded to the 66700 block of Ironwood Drive on the night of Dec. 8, 2021, to a call about gunshots in the area. Officers arrived and found 28-year-old Evan Rivas, who died of gunshot wounds at the scene, authorities said. Valdez was arrested May 31 on suspicion of Rivas’ murder. It was unclear what led detectives to identify Valdez as the suspect. A felony settlement conference is scheduled for Aug. 24 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. According to court records, Valdez previously pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and driving under the influence. Copyright 2022, City News Service, Inc. CNS-07-06-2022 16:59