Cold-case investigators arrest suspect in 2016 Apple Valley murder

Detectives with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Cold Case Homicide Team arrested Michael Austin Roberts, 27, on suspicion of murder in the 2016 shooting death of Michael Anthony Brooks Jr., 54. The arrest follows a 2025 review that detectives say produced new leads in a case that had gone cold.

Brooks was found dead just after 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 10, 2016 inside his home in the 12600 block of Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. Investigators determined he died from a single gunshot wound that was not self-inflicted, and there was no one else in the residence when deputies arrived. One report listed Aug. 6, 2016 as the discovery date, but the preponderance of detail, including the published time of day, supports Aug. 10, 2016 as the date of discovery.

The sheriff’s department originally assigned the case to the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail and launched what the department described as an extensive investigation. “An extensive investigation was initiated, and multiple people of interest were identified and interviewed. However, after exhausting all leads, the case eventually went cold, and a suspect was not identified,” the department said.

The Cold Case Homicide Team reopened the file in 2025 and “took a fresh look at the case” to “develop new leads,” according to investigators. Those efforts, officials said, ultimately led to the identification of Roberts as a suspect. “Details regarding what led to the break in the case were not released,” the department added.

Roberts was taken into San Bernardino County custody Jan. 29, 2026 on a no-bail fugitive warrant out of Denver, Colorado and was being held at West Valley Detention Center. While in custody, detectives interviewed him on Feb. 3, 2026; he was then booked on suspicion of murder. Court records show Roberts pleaded not guilty on Feb. 5, 2026 in the Victorville branch of San Bernardino County Superior Court. Roberts was 18 at the time of the killing and is now 27.

Family members and the local High Desert community have sought answers for years. In a statement released by the family, a relative wrote, “My father Michael Anthony Brooks, was born June 15, 1962. He was tragically taking from us August 10, 2016. Some one came into his house early morning and shot and killed him. He is a wonderful Father to six beautiful children, always smiled made the best out of everything. Honest hard working man who was always there for his family… I loved my father so much, he was my superman, my hero, and it breaks my heart everyday without him and watching my sisters cry and go through the same.” The family also noted Brooks was affectionately known as “Mudslinger” and had lived in the High Desert for more than 30 years. A published photo credited to James Quigg shows Michael Brooks Sr. inside the home near where his son was found.

For community members with information, investigators provided a homicide tip line at 909-890-4904 and an anonymous tip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. Authorities have not disclosed what new evidence or leads produced the identification, and investigators say they will release additional details as the case and prosecution allow.

What this means locally is a renewed look at a long dormant case and a court process now underway. Expect filings and future hearings at the Victorville branch of San Bernardino County Superior Court as prosecutors move forward, and contact the homicide detail with any information that could help fill gaps investigators have kept confidential.