Homicide officials investigate death of 16-year-old student in Apple Valley

Sheriff’s homicide officials are investigating the death of a teenager in a neighborhood north of James Woody Park in Apple Valley.

Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies on Tuesday responded to the report of a man down in the 13500 block of Navajo Road.

The area includes an empty field and easement behind the Navajo Center and near a playground of a head start preschool.

Upon arrival, deputies found and identified 16-year-old Robert Schmidt Jr. of Apple Valley, who authorities said suffered traumatic injuries to his body and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division — Homicide Detail responded and conducted the investigation, which is continuing.

No suspect has been identified. Further information will be released when available, sheriff’s officials said.

Apple Valley Unified School District officials said they were made aware of the death of Schmidt and shared condolences to the family and those impacted by his passing.

In accordance with student privacy regulations and out of respect for Schmidt’s family, the AVUSD did not disclose information, district officials said.

Store employee Vince Del Rio told the Daily Press that a vigil for Schmidt is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Sheriff’s Department asks anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Michelle Del Rio, Specialized Investigations Division, at 909- 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or online at wetip.com.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Homicide officials investigate death of 16-year-old in Apple Valley