Desert Hot Springs Man Pleads Guilty in 2017 Murder Case

A Desert Hot Springs man accused in a deadly shooting nearly a decade ago pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree murder.

According to court records, 28-year-old Richard Alex Bernal admitted to the felony charge during a hearing at the Larson Justice Center.

Authorities say Bernal fatally shot 35-year-old Emanuel Jenkins on June 15, 2017. Investigators with the Desert Hot Springs Police Department did not specify what led up to the shooting or whether there had been a dispute between the two men.

Under the terms of a plea agreement, sentence enhancements tied to the case will be dismissed. Bernal is expected to receive a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

He remains in custody without bail pending sentencing.