News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Man Who Killed Son on Highway 138 Dies (Update 3)

Man Who Killed Son on Highway 138 Dies (Update 3)

Jesus Roman Fuentes, Jr.

By Michael P. Neufeld
Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Update 3 - Wednesday 4:45 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA - The San Bernardino County Coroner reports the 34-year-old man who shot and killed his 4-year-old son near the entrance to Silverwood Lake has now died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He died at 10:55 a.m. yesterday.

Officials say the 34-year-old Hesperia man — Jesus Roman Fuentes, Jr. — killed his son (Jesus Gabriel Fuentes) and then turned the gun on himself Monday about 6 p.m.

Investigators later released information that the senior Fuentes had left a suicide note at his parent's home in Hesperia, but information released did not indicate whether he planned to kill his son.

The entrance to Silverwood Lake (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Update 2

Silverwood Lake, CA - The San Bernardino County Coroner has determined a 34-year-old man shot and killed his 4-year-old son near the entrance to Silverwood Lake. The incident was originally reported as a solo vehicle traffic accident.

Authorities report Jesus Roman Fuentes, Jr. from Hesperia shot his son and then turned the gun on himself.

The incident began about 6:09 p.m. when motorists came upon what appeared to be a single vehicle crash. Both Fuentes and his son were extracted from the vehicle and as medical personnel attended to the two occupants of the vehicle, they discovered both had injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

Mercy Air transported both to a local hospital where the juvenile died as a result of his injuries. The father was listed in critical condition.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's homicide detectives determined Fuentes shot the 4-year-old and then himself after intentionally driving his vehicle into the guardrail in a large turnout above Silverwood Lake.

Homicide detectives are investigating the incident.

Update

Silverwood Lake, CA - The closure of Highway 138 near the entrance to Silverwood Lake continues now due to police activity following a reported traffic accident.

"The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Homicide Detail was summoned by the CHP after the injuries were reportedly not consistent with a traffic accident," according to Jodi Miller from the Sheriff's Department.

"Both individuals were airlifted to an area hospital," Miller reported, "and one was pronounced deceased. Homicide detectives have responded to the scene to assist with the CHP investigation."

Original Story

Silverwood Lake, CA - A solo vehicle traffic accident has forced the closure of Highway 138 near the entrance to Silverwood Lake.

Mercy Air Bell 412. (Photo by Alan Radecki.)

The accident, which was reported about 6:09 p.m., involved an older model silver Honda with a male driver and a small child in the vehicle, according to scanner reports.

Two Mercy Air helicopters were ordered by emergency personnel on scene.

Additional details will be provided when they become available.

This article was first published on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 8:19 pm. This article has been viewed 8925 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, RIMOFTHEWORLD.net Managing News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.