.
Feedback

Man Found Dead in a Vehicle Near Banning

A 28-year-old was found dead by Morongo tribal patrols, and now sheriff's officials are working the case as a homicide.

Update 9 p.m. Thursday:

The man found dead in a car parked on the Morongo Indian Reservation has been identified as a Banning resident.

Coroner's reports released Thursday indicate that Richard Cortez lived in the city.

Officials also indicated his age was 27, rather than 28, as sheriff's officials initially reported.

"Due to the circumstance," homicide investigators are handling the case, according to the sheriff's department.

Original story as follows:

Investigators with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Cabazon station and Morongo Tribal officers are working to determine what killed a man found dead in a vehicle late Wednesday morning.

Tribal officers found Richard Augustine Cortez, 28, at 11:33 a.m. in a vehicle in the 48000 block of Chino Road near Banning, on the Morongo Indian Reservation, officials said Thursday.

Cortez is not a member of the Morongo Tribe, sheriff's officials said.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is immediately available, officials said.

Riverside County Sheriff's investigators ask anyone with information on Cortez to call the Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit at (760) 393-3500 or Cabazon Station Investigators at (951) 922-7100.

Renee Schiavone (Editor) January 10, 2013 at 11:19 pm
@Gary-- I updated the story with the correct location; Sheriff's officials reported it as Banning and we pushed the info out before checking the Thomas Guide, which was much more accurate than Google Maps
LLODOWN January 10, 2013 at 11:32 pm
Morongo is Banning, Sovern Nation.?
haden ward January 11, 2013 at 03:10 am
Well, at least the Sheriff's Department is the one handling it. They will at least solve it, or try to solve it.
Cathy Hudnall Crain January 11, 2013 at 02:55 pm
Your comment couldn't be more true... My daughter hung out with him when they were in high school and he was over our house often, its very sad. My heart hurts for his family, my condolences to the Cortez family. By the way... would this happen to be Kim Flanagan from Vineland in Cherry Valley when we were very young?
maria garcia January 11, 2013 at 03:38 pm
how about a man supposedly dead found on 7-9-11 BEAUMONT-BANNING ARE potrero chery valley oak valley parkway and is not dead and 2 hispanics are given life without parole and the supposedly dead man was a drug trafficker smuggling cocaine into laredo texas who is a trustee of the ibew-neca of so. ca. IS RIVERSIDE THAT RACIST TO SEND TO MEXICAN RESIDENTS WHO ARE NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING SEND THEM TO PRISON AND LET A MEXICAN DRUG TRAFFICKER BE OUT WHO PLANNED HIS DEATH FOR HIS PENSION? IS ANYONE WILLING TO HELP THESE HISPANICS WHO ALSO HAVE CHILDREN PARENTS AGES RANGE FROM 32-TO 34 THE ONES ACCUSED AND ALREADY TRIED? THIS WAS ENTRAPMENT!!! IT'S UNJUST, EVIL, CORRUPTED, AND WRONG IN THE EYES OF GOD AND IF ANYONE BELIEVES IN GOD WILL HELP THESE HISPANICS. LET GO OF YOUR RACISM DISCRIMINATION THE WORLD WILL BE BETTER IF ALL THE RACES BREAK PEACE AND LOVE ESPECIALLY THE WHITE PEOPLE WHO ARE THE RACIST! WE ARE NOT BACK IN TIMES OF MOSES WHEN HE LET THE ISRAELITES FREE, ROOTS TIME KUNTA KINTA, AND THE MISSISSIPPI BURNING! THEY WERE SENTENCED 01-02-2013. PLEASES THEIR CHILDREN ARE SUFFERING FOR THEIR PARENTS FOR A CRIME NEVER COMMITTED BY THESE TWO HISPANICS
maria garcia January 11, 2013 at 03:39 pm
how about a man supposedly dead found on 7-9-11 BEAUMONT-BANNING ARE potrero chery valley oak valley parkway and is not dead and 2 hispanics are given life without parole and the supposedly dead man was a drug trafficker smuggling cocaine into laredo texas who is a trustee of the ibew-neca of so. ca. IS RIVERSIDE THAT RACIST TO SEND TO MEXICAN RESIDENTS WHO ARE NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING SEND THEM TO PRISON AND LET A MEXICAN DRUG TRAFFICKER BE OUT WHO PLANNED HIS DEATH FOR HIS PENSION? IS ANYONE WILLING TO HELP THESE HISPANICS WHO ALSO HAVE CHILDREN PARENTS AGES RANGE FROM 32-TO 34 THE ONES ACCUSED AND ALREADY TRIED? THIS WAS ENTRAPMENT!!! IT'S UNJUST, EVIL, CORRUPTED, AND WRONG IN THE EYES OF GOD AND IF ANYONE BELIEVES IN GOD WILL HELP THESE HISPANICS. LET GO OF YOUR RACISM DISCRIMINATION THE WORLD WILL BE BETTER IF ALL THE RACES BREAK PEACE AND LOVE ESPECIALLY THE WHITE PEOPLE WHO ARE THE RACIST! WE ARE NOT BACK IN TIMES OF MOSES WHEN HE LET THE ISRAELITES FREE, ROOTS TIME KUNTA KINTA, AND THE MISSISSIPPI BURNING! THEY WERE SENTENCED 01-02-2013. PLEASES THEIR CHILDREN ARE SUFFERING FOR THEIR PARENTS FOR A CRIME NEVER COMMITTED BY THESE TWO HISPANICS
SELINA January 11, 2013 at 04:28 pm
I grew up with richard, we knew each other for so many years. He was so respectful when he would come to my parents house.RIP RICHARD YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
summer January 12, 2013 at 12:48 am
Maria Garcia, ranting and raving about racism on a post relating to someone's unfortunate passing is extremely poor taste. Find the proper venue for your cause, write intelligently, and then maybe someone will listen.
raquel January 12, 2013 at 03:22 am
rest in peace brother we all love u an miisss youuu from your brothers mom siisters nephews neces your son my unborn baby we love you big bro
James@April January 12, 2013 at 04:20 am
REST IN PEACE RICHARD YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS.
kimmie flanagan January 12, 2013 at 07:35 am
No disrespect....... I think because of Americas disobedience,God's hand of protection is gradually lifting from this country.God,in His loving wisdom,is Trying to get our attention before we go the way of the Empires that have Fallen before: all of whom turned their back's on Him as well as His people,Israel,But God Will heal our land if we turn back to Him. We have become a Nation of takers' We have reinforced our own selfish,human desires to do as we please.judging who should live or die,and carry forth Bloodshed, Not one single day can We open our Newspapers,turn on our Tv's Without hearing about so many senseless homicides,of these young people, We need to Wake up America,,,,,,,Its bad enough that every other country out there Hates Us,And would love to wipe America off the face of the earth.They wont have to,We are Destroying ourselves,hardening our hearts,becoming a antichrist Nation. and satan's appointed cheerleaders and water carriers in speeding our demise, spiraling downwards into a pit. We all need to have a voice Now. Without jesus in our country,Back in our schools to reach the young minds,We then can no longer be considered A United people.under land of the free,home of the brave,and liberty to All. .In danger of allowing America to crumble right before our eyes.The hand writing is on the wall, and We have picked up the pace from a jog to a sprint down the roman road,as We race for the cliffs,Satan cant wait to see Americans Willingly jump off..STOP VIOLENCE
summer January 12, 2013 at 05:12 pm
Kimmie, you sound like an intelligent person, but I would have to disagree with a couple things. I do not believe that every other country wants to wipe us off the face of the earth. I do believe you're referring to the extremists who are dangerous no matter what their religion is, including Christianity. And, just like Maria above, to use this gentleman's passing to promote your religious beliefs is also poor taste.
Merissa January 12, 2013 at 06:52 pm
Rip richard we will all miss u..
kimmie flanagan January 12, 2013 at 06:54 pm
summer, you are entitled to your own colorful opinion. thank you for the info. If i may ask, is this really Summer, or is it maria garcia?????
KIMBERLEE CAVANAUGH January 12, 2013 at 07:28 pm
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND ,I KNOW YOUR IN A BETTER PLACE !ILL MISS YOUR SMILE.<3KIMBO
Richard Flanagan January 12, 2013 at 08:21 pm
I new the Cortez Family, RIP Richard, and my hart goes out to His family
Richard Flanagan January 12, 2013 at 08:22 pm
ops Heart
summer January 12, 2013 at 09:56 pm
Kimmie, of course you may ask. No, I'm not Maria. I fail to see the reasoning behind the notion that Maria would post the post she did and then get back on as someone else and criticize it. I'd love to hear the logic, but I'm learning from this recent post of yours and your other one, that you don't seem to use logic in your reasoning. And now that I am guilty, too, of turning this forum into something other than to acknowledge Richard's passing, I offer apologies to his family and refrain from anymore such dialog. May Richard rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort and solace.
kimmie flanagan January 13, 2013 at 12:43 am
Slummer,, you did turn this forum into something other than to acknowledge a passing.right from the start, you were critical, of not just my opinion, but others. you are rude,and think your shit dont stink, your taste is in your mouth........
LLODOWN January 13, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Well said Kimmie. R.I.P. Richard
wanda Lovato January 14, 2013 at 08:33 am
I didn't know Richard that well but my heart goes out to his family.RIP RICHARD
John January 14, 2013 at 03:54 pm
for your information it is still considered Banning
kimmie flanagan January 14, 2013 at 06:16 pm
Summer Royal......GO DRINK SOME TEA, BI....CH.
maria garcia January 14, 2013 at 11:11 pm
This comment is for Summer! Ranting and raving about what! You think is right to have 1 female hispanic and 1 male hispanic be sent to life in prison for a crime they did not commit? Why don't you look for this report "MAN FOUND DEAD IN BEAUMONT IN JULY 9, 2011." There's different stories. There were 3 actually arrested one lied and was set free 2 weeks later. He testified and lied under oath. The other 2 hispanics where giving life without parole. Look for this report, " Pedro Vasquez vs. U.S. Docket # 11-7598; 10-41270; EP: 12-CR 02188, there's others. He was the husband of the female. The husband faked his death. He is still alive. Do you think it's fair for the two hispanics to spend there rest of their lives in prison for a crime never committed by them? You be the "JUDGE" of that!
maria garcia January 14, 2013 at 11:12 pm
This comment is for Summer! Ranting and raving about what! You think is right to have 1 female hispanic and 1 male hispanic be sent to life in prison for a crime they did not commit? Why don't you look for this report "MAN FOUND DEAD IN BEAUMONT IN JULY 9, 2011." There's different stories. There were 3 actually arrested one lied and was set free 2 weeks later. He testified and lied under oath. The other 2 hispanics where giving life without parole. Look for this report, " Pedro Vasquez vs. U.S. Docket # 11-7598; 10-41270; EP: 12-CR 02188, there's others. He was the husband of the female. The husband faked his death. He is still alive. Do you think it's fair for the two hispanics to spend there rest of their lives in prison for a crime never committed by them? You be the "JUDGE" of that!
margaret cortez January 18, 2013 at 05:25 am
R.I.P Richard we love you and we are really going to miss you. I know you are up there with your dad my uncle Rudy i know he had spread his arm open to welcome you. We will have those memories in are hearts. Till we see each other agin love you and miss you.
Love, Aunt Helen Cortez margaret cortez
carol jane lummus January 19, 2013 at 11:18 pm
Of all my sons friends, he was the only one who would show up at the house and greet me and shake my hand, and apologize if he was bothering me. He had manners. And he ALWAYS treated me with the upmost respect. I never had a issue with him. And he was always smiling. My heart aches so much, I will miss him dearly and his smile. Love you Richard, RIP.
carol jane lummus January 20, 2013 at 12:24 am
amen to that!!
carol jane lummus January 20, 2013 at 12:30 am
RIP Richard, will miss your smile, and how you cared enough to try to straighten my son out, and how you actually made him apologize to me and his father for the way he talked to us. You were a good man. Will miss you, :(
Peggy Mccollum Lindwall February 9, 2013 at 06:43 pm
may you rest in peace richard you were a great guy with alot going but you always seemed to have a smile on ya face im going miss seeing you walk down my street.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Banning-Beaumont Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Lloyd White June 17, 2013 at 10:41 am
I find it interesting the RG was all over the State of the City luncheon but not interested inRead More printing the questions and issues raised by the Mayor's unsubstantiated claims. We should stop paying any attention to the RG if they aren't interested in what's really happening in Beaumont. I don't subscribe to the RG but it is still delivered to my house every week. Does anyone know how to stop the delivery? I could just pick it up each week and throw it in the trash but then their circulation won't be accurately represented to their advertisers. I'm going to start asking local business to stop advertising in the RG.
Ken June 17, 2013 at 11:47 am
Great idea Lloyd..They dont deliver to the old neighborhoods I guess. I generally pay the 50 centsRead More to see what they DIDNT print.
Washy June 18, 2013 at 04:37 am
Have you tried calling them and asking them to not throw trash in your driveway each Friday.
Tracy Salinas June 18, 2013 at 11:25 am
UPDATE on CV (nickname)...a tumor protruding from his right eye was removed yesterday - he now canRead More close the eye completely which, coupled with a fly mask, will keep the flies from laying eggs in his eye (a very nasty thing indeed). He has settled in with a gentle geriatric horse for a companion and is eating well (his weight was not an issue before - he obviously was fed decently). His club hoof causes him quite a lot of discomfort, but he manages to hobble around. A visit from the farrier is nextin line, to see if his discomfort can be aleviated. I don't believe he will ever be a riding horse, but he casts a nice shadow and is gentle and kind to be around. There is a peacefulness that eminates from his very being...
Ellen Carr June 18, 2013 at 11:45 am
Okay, this isn't funny. I just posted a comment and it's gone. My first post was edited now myRead More second post disappears. What's going on?????
Ellen Carr June 18, 2013 at 10:48 pm
Good news. My post from 6/17 has reappeared but my post from this morning (6/18) hasn't surfacedRead More yet. I don't have a clue as to what is going on!
Aubreey we Love You!!!
Gina Tenorio (Editor) June 13, 2013 at 02:55 pm
Beautiful! Now this is great news! Thank you both so much for sharing the news of your blessing withRead More the rest of us.
Renee Schiavone (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 02:41 pm
Congrats!
Kathleen Mccrary June 10, 2013 at 03:50 pm
THIS ADD WAS WRITTEN WRONG SORRY.LOL THE ONE ABOVE IT IS THE CORRECT ADD.
Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.
Renee Schiavone (Editor) June 10, 2013 at 10:59 am
Great photo, Julie... thanks for sharing!
Ben June 11, 2013 at 02:04 pm
Niki- yes the plans have been updated to allow Banning and Yucaipa to share in the use of the newRead More ponds. It is an inter-agency plan that is beneficial to everyone. Why you consider having other entities share this project, which bonds us all together: they are paying to help build the new area so we, as ratepayers aren't hit with the whole bill, and we are going to finally get some recycled water into use from Yucaipa, Banning gets new wells, and no matter what- we have ultimate control over the use at all times- how that is a horror story I can't figure out. These plans were in the works for years, it was no secret. Its now being finalized by the board- as the details are now ironed out. The only horror story I see happening is how Beaumont refuses to make an agreement with the district to utilize their recycled water- and its not all the water district's fault like you think. Beaumont can't build unless they find some new sources of water. One of the reasons they pulled out is once they update their wastewater facility- they don't plan on wasting that recycled water just on landscaping . They are going to dump it into the basin itself for the water credit. Beaumont residents have no clue that their drinking water will eventually be more wastewater than water coming down the mountain. Sorry- but I think Fraser is doing a great job. If he hadn't got in there, the district would belong to Beaumont, who would take all the water they want regardless of impact studies, and siphon off all the money for their own uses. Guess you missed their lawsuit in the courts- the courts laughed them out. Beaumont is broke. The water district is financially sound.
Niki Magee June 13, 2013 at 01:54 pm
Ben, it is unfortunate you are the victim of such serious misinformation. I thought I knew everyoneRead More at last night's BCVWD meeting. Who were you?
Claire Frémont June 15, 2013 at 09:59 am
I'm curious, Niki, what misinformation are you speaking of concerning Ben's comment? He appears toRead More be stating information that I've read about also. Beaumont did sue to try and take over the water district, they did get a cease and desist order to stop dumping their wastewater into the aquifer, and have pulled out of all negotiations with the district to supply them with recycled water. The district has made the arrangements instead with Yucaipa to take their water, with the hopes that someday Beaumont will come around. All these things are in agendas and downloads available to the public, which part are you disputing?