On April 3, 2019, Dominic Beard, a 29-year-old resident of Victorville, California, was found deceased in his apartment at 16980 Nisqualli Road. The discovery was made around 10:35 p.m. after authorities received a report of an assault. Upon arrival, they found Beard unresponsive and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The initial investigation revealed that Beard had been shot during a suspected home-invasion robbery.
Homicide detectives took over the case to uncover the details surrounding his death.
The investigation revealed that multiple suspects had entered Beard's home with the intent to rob him. During the robbery, a physical altercation ensued between Beard and two of the suspects, Edmond Smith, a 31-year-old transient from Victorville, and Ravon Friend, a 20-year-old from Barstow. During the struggle, shots were fired, resulting in Beard's fatal injuries. Meanwhile, a third suspect, Barion Walkins, a 20-year-old transient from Los Angeles, was in another room stealing property when the shooting occurred. All three suspects were identified as known gang members and it was determined that they had prior knowledge of the victim.
The case saw significant developments in January 2020, following an eight-month-long investigation. Edmond Smith, who was already incarcerated on unrelated charges, was booked on murder charges on January 3, 2020. Ravon Friend was arrested in Barstow on January 4, 2020, and was subsequently booked into the West Valley Detention Center for murder. Barion Walkins was apprehended in Los Angeles on the same day and was booked into the Central Detention Center for robbery. All three suspects were held without bail as the investigation continued.
The arrests marked a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for Dominic Beard. The authorities emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation and urged anyone with additional information to come forward. The case highlighted the violent nature of gang-related activities and the tragic consequences they can have on individuals and communities. The legal proceedings against the suspects were expected to unfold as the investigation progressed, with the aim of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
