Curtis Mitchell, a 31-year-old resident of Victorville, was tragically shot and killed on June 20, 2016, in San Bernardino, California. The incident occurred around 3:37 p.m. when Mitchell walked into a liquor store located in the 2600 block of W. Foothill Boulevard to make a purchase. As he exited the store, a white car pulled into the parking lot, and a man stepped out.
After a brief exchange of words, the suspect retrieved an assault rifle from the car and opened fire on Mitchell, hitting him multiple times. Mitchell collapsed and was pronounced dead at the scene by responding authorities. This incident marked the 30th homicide in San Bernardino for the year 2016.
The investigation into Mitchell's death revealed that he was not a documented gang member, although the police suspected the shooting might be gang-related. Detectives analyzed security footage from the scene and appealed to the public for any additional information that could aid in solving the case. The community's concern over the rising violence in San Bernardino was palpable, with residents calling for more activities and opportunities for youth to help curb the violence.
A significant breakthrough in the case came over a week later when three men were arrested in connection to Mitchell's murder. Dontane Noble-Cole, 21, Denzel Mincey, 23, and Charlie Green, 25, all from Rialto, were apprehended by the authorities. The suspects were identified through a collaborative effort between the San Bernardino Police Department and the Rialto Police Department. Noble-Cole was arrested on suspicion of murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and participating in a criminal street gang. Mincey faced charges of murder, participating in a criminal street gang, and several felony enhancements related to the use of a firearm during a felony. Green was also charged with murder, participating in a criminal street gang, and a felony enhancement for discharging a firearm causing death or great bodily injury.
The arrests were made after a detailed investigation that included a foot pursuit and the recovery of the firearm used in the shooting. The suspects were held without bail at the Central Detention Center, with court appearances scheduled for the following weeks. The case remained under investigation, with detectives continuing to seek any additional information that could further solidify the case against the suspects. The tragic death of Curtis Mitchell highlighted the ongoing issue of gang-related violence in San Bernardino and the community's urgent need for effective solutions to address the root causes of such violence.
