Authorities Investigate Fatalities in San Bernardino, Barstow, Victorville & Fontana
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2026) — Authorities are investigating four separate fatal incidents that occurred over the weekend between Friday and Monday across San Bernardino County, leaving four men dead in San Bernardino, Barstow, Victorville, and Fontana.
Jan. 5, 2026 – Fatality on East Highland Avenue in San Bernardino
The most recent fatality occurred late Monday night in the city of San Bernardino. According to the San Bernardino Police Department, officers responded at approximately 10:55 p.m. on January 5, 2025, to the 1470 block of East Highland Avenue following reports of a serious incident. Gabriel Sanchez, a 48-year-old San Bernardino resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. Further details about the circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately released.
Jan. 4, 2026 – Fatality on Lenwood Road in Barstow
On Sunday, the Barstow Police Department sent police to the 2000 block of Lenwood Road at approximately 3:28 p.m. Joseph Sternhagen, 61, of East Helena, Montana, was found deceased and pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have not disclosed additional information regarding what led to the fatality.
Jan. 3, 2026 – Fatality on Seventh Street in Victorville
The third incident occurred Saturday evening in Victorville. Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded at approximately 7:16 p.m. to the 14000 block of Seventh Street. Mario Carr, 33, a homeless resident of Victorville, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jan. 2, 2026 – Fatality in Fontana at Sierra Avenue and I-10 Freeway
This past Friday at 4:30 a.m., the Union Pacific Police Department responded to the area of Sierra Avenue and Eastbound Interstate-10 Freeway in Fontana. A 45-year-old male, whose name is withheld pending notification to next of kin, was pronounced dead on scene. For more information, contact the Union Pacific Police Department.
Investigation into Fatal Incidents
In all four cases, the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Division confirmed the deaths, with Supervising Deputy Coroner S. Hill overseeing the investigations. Authorities have not released causes of death or indicated whether foul play is suspected.
Each case remains under investigation by the respective law enforcement agencies. Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the San Bernardino Police Department, Barstow Police Department, or the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, as appropriate.
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