David Klemm, a 29-year-old male from Colton, California, was fatally shot on the night of March 14, 2019, during a violent incident at an illegal marijuana dispensary located at 191 S. E Street in San Bernardino. Officers from the San Bernardino Police Department responded to a call for service at approximately 10:45 p.m. and discovered David Klemm unconscious and suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite their efforts, the 29-year-old male victim was declared dead at the scene.
He was described in earlier records as a known and loved figure in his community, with the nickname “Penguin,” and was a father to one daughter.
In addition to Klemm, a second individual — a 23-year-old male from Riverside — also suffered gunshot wounds that same night. He had independently arrived at a hospital and was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. Authorities believe that both victims were shot during an attempted robbery at the dispensary. The violent nature of the crime, occurring within an unregulated and illegal business operation, underscored concerns over the risks associated with such establishments.
On July 16, 2019, roughly four months after the shooting, two suspects were arrested in connection with the homicide. Daniel Paopao, a 30-year-old male from Victorville, and Dzirick Grable, a 19-year-old male from San Bernardino, were taken into custody. Both men were booked on suspicion of homicide following an investigation by the San Bernardino Police Department. The arrests marked a significant development in the case, providing some measure of resolution in the killing of David Klemm, a young male of 29 years whose life was cut short under violent circumstances.
The incident highlighted ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in managing the public safety risks tied to illegal cannabis operations, and it led to an intensive investigation that eventually resulted in the apprehension of two suspects. The community and family of David Klemm, a 29-year-old male victim, were left to mourn his loss as justice began to take its course.
