On October 12, 2024, at approximately 8:27 a.m., San Bernardino Police Department officers responded to reports of a possibly deceased male in the 1100 block of North Stoddard Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered 49-year-old Ronald Ray Garrett, a resident of Desert Hot Springs, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an investigation, authorities identified 46-year-old San Bernardino resident Wesley Parker Weltch as the primary suspect in Garrett's death. Weltch was arrested on October 23, 2024, in the 2500 block of West Foothill Boulevard. He is currently held at the Central Detention Center on a murder charge with bail set at $1 million, along with additional drug-related charges for which he is being held without bail. Weltch's arraignment is scheduled for October 31, 2024, in San Bernardino Superior Court.
Prior to his death, Garrett had a history of legal issues in San Bernardino County. Records indicate multiple arrests, including charges for threats of violence in February 2020, battery on a spouse or cohabitant in November 2018, and use of a controlled substance in August 2017.
The San Bernardino Police Department continues to seek information related to this case. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact Homicide Detective T. Montez at (909) 384-5762 or Homicide Sergeant E. Campos at (909) 384-5613.
