Victorville, California, January 19, 2026
Victorville community mourns the tragic loss of 14-year-old Jeremy “Tank” Rosales, a youth football player, who was fatally shot near Mojave Vista Park. The incident, which took place in a residential area, has left the community in shock as authorities continue their investigation without any arrests. A candlelight memorial is planned to honor Rosales, who was known for his dedication to the SoCal Trojans football team and as a beloved teammate. Community members are urged to come together during this difficult time.
Victorville, California: 14-Year-Old Football Player Fatally Shot
Victorville, California – A tragic incident occurred on January 16, 2026, involving a 14-year-old boy named Jeremy “Tank” Rosales, who was fatally shot in a residential area near Mojave Vista Park. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 8:21 p.m., discovering Rosales with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is actively ongoing.
Known affectionately as “Tank,” Rosales was a dedicated player for the SoCal Trojans youth football team. The team has organized a candlelight memorial in his honor, scheduled for January 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at TESA (High Desert) in Hesperia. In addition, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover his family’s funeral expenses.
The loss of such a young talent has struck a deep chord in the community, which remembers Rosales as a vibrant, smiley kid and a loyal teammate who befriended many on the field. Local authorities are urging anyone with relevant information regarding the shooting to step forward to assist in the investigation.
Background
Victorville, located within San Bernardino County, has seen its share of tragedies involving young athletes. For instance, in 2017, another promising football player, 17-year-old Richard Reed, was also found shot dead in the city. These incidents highlight a troubling pattern that leaves the community grappling with the impact of youth violence.
Related Incidents
In examining broader trends, similar tragic incidents have occurred across the country. In 2014, Jakell Mitchell, a gifted college football player at Auburn University, was shot and killed during his freshman year. Additionally, Arnold Peralta, a professional footballer from Honduras, was fatally shot in 2015. These poignant events reflect a growing concern over violence against young athletes nationwide.
Investigation Details
The investigation into Rosales’ death is led by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail. In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement has established cordoned-off areas near Mojave Vista Elementary School and Mojave Vista Park, demonstrating a robust presence as they work to uncover the facts. Currently, the authorities have not identified any suspects, and the investigation is proceeding without any leads.
Community Response
The SoCal Trojans organization has conveyed its heartfelt sorrow over the loss of their teammate and is actively involved in honoring Rosales’ contributions both on and off the field. Plans for the memorial gathering exemplify the resilience and unity pulsing through the community as they collectively mourn the loss of a promising young life.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Jeremy “Tank” Rosales has stirred both grief and reflection within the Victorville community. This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges cities face regarding youth safety and violence. As authorities pursue leads in the investigation, it is crucial for community members to rally together, supporting one another and the families affected by such overwhelming loss. Engaging in local businesses and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing violence might serve as a vital step toward fostering a safer environment for the youth in our communities.
FAQ
What happened to Jeremy “Tank” Rosales?
Jeremy “Tank” Rosales, a 14-year-old football player, was fatally shot on January 16, 2026, in a residential neighborhood near Mojave Vista Park in Victorville, California. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Who was Jeremy Rosales?
Jeremy Rosales was a dedicated member of the SoCal Trojans youth football team, where he was affectionately known as “Tank.” He was described as a great kid with an infectious smile, a loyal teammate, and a brother to many who stood beside him on the field.
What is being done to honor Jeremy Rosales?
The SoCal Trojans youth football team has planned a candlelight memorial to honor his life on January 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at TESA (High Desert) in Hesperia. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to assist his family with funeral expenses.
What is the status of the investigation?
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail is leading the investigation into Rosales’ death. Deputies have blocked off roadways near Mojave Vista Elementary School and Mojave Vista Park, where a significant law enforcement presence was observed on the night of the incident. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects, and the investigation remains active.
Has this type of incident occurred before in Victorville?
Yes, in 2017, 17-year-old Richard Reed, a standout football player at Silverado High School, was found shot dead in Victorville. The community continues to grapple with the impact of these tragedies.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Jeremy “Tank” Rosales, 14-year-old football player |
| Incident Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Location | Residential neighborhood near Mojave Vista Park, Victorville, California |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; no arrests made |
| Memorial Service | Candlelight memorial on January 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at TESA (High Desert) in Hesperia |
| Community Response | GoFundMe campaign launched to assist family with funeral expenses; community mourning the loss |
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