Promising 14-year-old football player “Tank” Rosales shot and killed near Glen Canyon Lane in Victorville; sheriff’s homicide detail investigates
Hesperia, California (Our Hesperia) — Jeremy ‘Tank’ Rosales, a 14-year-old Oak Hills High School football player, was found with multiple gunshot wounds Friday near Glen Canyon Lane and Burwood Avenue in Victorville; he later died and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating.
Key takeaways
- Victim: Jeremy “Tank” Rosales, 14, youth football player for Team Elite Sports Academy and Oak Hills High School (Times of India, CBS Los Angeles).
- When and where: Shooting reported about 8:20–8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, near Glen Canyon Lane and Burwood Avenue, Victorville, close to Mojave Vista Elementary School and Victorville Park (Fox 11 Los Angeles, CBS Los Angeles).
- Investigation: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail is leading the probe; no arrests or publicly named suspects as of Jan. 20, 2026 — detectives are exploring whether an online meeting to sell an item was involved (CBS Los Angeles, Fox 11 Los Angeles).
- How to help: Contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904 or submit anonymous tips to We-Tip (1-800-78-CRIME / 27463).
What happened: timeline and scene
Short timeline: Deputies responded about 8:20–8:30 p.m. Friday to reports of gunfire near Glen Canyon Lane and Burwood Avenue. They found Jeremy Rosales lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds, transported him to a hospital and he was pronounced dead. The shooting occurred in a residential area near Mojave Vista Elementary School and Victorville Park; Rosales lived nearby with his family. (Fox 11 Los Angeles, Times of India, CBS Los Angeles).
Investigation status and leads
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detail and its Specialized Investigations Division are leading the probe. Detectives have not publicly released a suspect description or motive. Investigators are reviewing available video, interviewing witnesses and following tips; authorities said Rosales may have been meeting an online buyer at the time of the shooting. (CBS Los Angeles, Fox 11 Los Angeles.)
Victim background: “Tank,” student‑athlete and teammate
Jeremy “Tank” Rosales was described by friends, coaches and teammates as a humble, coachable athlete — a “gentle giant” who excelled on the trenches and earned straight A’s. He played for Team Elite Sports Academy and was on the roster at Oak Hills High School, with plans to use football to pursue opportunities beyond Victorville. (Times of India, CBS Los Angeles.)
Voices from the community
The death prompted a broad outpouring of grief. A GoFundMe set up for the family described Rosales as “more than a football player,” noting his “infectious smile” and loyalty; the fundraiser raised thousands toward immediate needs. (Times of India.)
“He was humble, coachable and a hard worker,” coaches told reporters, urging families to hold their children close as the community mourned. Hundreds attended a candlelight vigil in Hesperia where teammates released balloons and chanted in his honor. (CBS Los Angeles)
Safety concerns and online transactions
Investigators are exploring if Rosales met someone he connected with online to sell an item, a scenario that underscores risks for teens conducting person‑to‑person exchanges. Authorities urge:
- Arrange meetings in busy, public locations in daylight.
- Bring a trusted adult and, when possible, notify local law enforcement of planned transactions.
- Use caution with strangers met through online marketplaces and never share sensitive personal information.
(Sources: CBS Los Angeles, Fox 11 Los Angeles.)
What law enforcement and local leaders are saying
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the homicide and said the Homicide Detail is investigating; officials asked residents to share tips and reminded the public that even small pieces of information can be critical. Local coaches and community leaders called for cooperation with detectives and increased vigilance. (Fox 11 Los Angeles.)
Implications for Hesperia and Victorville
Economic: Violent incidents can deter local investment and reduce foot traffic near parks and schools.
Political: The shooting may intensify calls for stronger policing, tougher penalties and expedited public safety funding.
Social & cultural: The loss of a teen athlete reverberates in communities where high school football is central to local life and youth opportunity; it may spur expanded safety programming and neighborhood watch efforts.
How to help the family and follow developments
A GoFundMe for the Rosales family is accepting donations to assist with immediate needs. Community members can attend vigils, support youth programs and follow updates from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and local outlets for developments. For direct assistance or information, see reporting sources below.
Reporting note and sources
This report draws on statements from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and local news reporting. Primary sources cited in coverage include:
- Times of India
- Fox 11 Los Angeles
- CBS Los Angeles
- Community video 1 (YouTube)
- Community video 2 (YouTube)
- Community video 3 (YouTube)
If you have information
Contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. To submit an anonymous tip, contact We-Tip or call 1-800-78-CRIME (27463). Any detail, no matter how small, may assist investigators.
