Suspect Nabbed At The Southern Border; Linked To Fentanyl Death Of A Desert Hot Springs Teenager

It was more than 2 years ago,  August 21st 2022, just before 9 in the morning when deputies were called to a home on Via Quedo in unincorporated Desert Hot Springs to check on a 17 year girl who was unresponsive in her bedroom.

Paramedics were unable to save the girl.

The investigation showed she died from a fentanyl overdose, with 22 year old Michael Garcia of Desert Hot Springs providing her with the drug.

Even though the District Attorney in Riverside County filed charges against Garcia, the suspect continued to evade arrest.

With numerous regional and federal law enforcment agencies involved in the search, Michael Garcia was finally arrested on Monday August 26th 2024, on the U-S border with Mexico.  He is now jailed in Indio for unlawfully furnishing a controlled substance to a minor and felony child endangerment.

Additional suspects have been identified, but not yet apprehended,  in this case.

Suspect Michael Garcia, under arrest for providing a lethal dose of fentanyl to a teenager.

Photo from Riverside County Sheriffs Dept Aug 28th 2024