October 19, 2026 – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 8:17 a.m., Victorville Station Deputies responded to the 14000 block of Hopland Street in Victorville, for a reported assault with a firearm. A 19-year-old male victim called Sheriff’s Dispatch and reported his stepfather, Samuel Tomasello, shot him and his mother, Denise Stovall.

Upon arrival, deputies made announcements for the occupants to exit the location. The male victim exited and was found to have a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Tomasello exited and was detained by deputies without incident. Deputies entered the residence and located Denise who was suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies immediately initiated lifesaving measures until medical personnel arrived. Fire department personnel transported Denise and the male victim to the hospital where Denise was later pronounced deceased. 

The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail, responded to the location and assumed the investigation. After an extensive investigation, detectives arrested Tomasello for PC187(A)- Murder and remains in custody at the High Desert Detention Center. 

The male victim was treated at the hospital and later released.  

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at: https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
 
DATE: October 17, 2026, at 8:17 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC187 - Murder
LOCATION: 14000 Block of Hopland Street, Victorville
SUSPECT: Samuel Alfred Tomasello, 41-years-old, Resident of Victorville
VICTIM 1: Denise Stovall, 39-years-old, Resident of Victorville
VICTIM 2: 19-year-old, Male, Resident of Victorville
Refer: Detective J. Desario or Sergeant G. Moreno
Station: Homicide Detail
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 172613702 H# 2026-091

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department