On the evening of May 6, 2023, 24-year-old Johnnie Rocky Escalante was fatally shot in Upland, California, during a cannabis delivery. The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. in the 1300 block of East San Bernardino Road, where Escalante became involved in a physical altercation during the delivery. During the struggle, he was shot and managed to drive away but soon lost control of his vehicle, crashing into a tree. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Upland Police Department swiftly identified and arrested three suspects in connection with the shooting: 18-year-old Anthony Tolesmiller, 21-year-old Michael Tolesmiller, and 19-year-old Brazjon Nolan. The suspects, who resided in the apartment complex where the incident took place, were apprehended on suspicion of murder and booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Authorities indicated that the motive behind the shooting was robbery, as the suspects allegedly intended to steal the cannabis products and any proceeds Escalante had in his possession.
Escalante, a resident of Claremont, California, was known for his kindhearted nature and had a positive impact on many people's lives. His untimely death was deeply mourned by family and friends. A visitation was held on June 2, 2023, at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary in Riverside, followed by a committal service at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park. In the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe campaign titled "Johnnie Rocky Escalante: A Warrior In A Garden" was established to support his family during this difficult time.
