Candles Burn on Webster for Alleged Murder Victim: 'May You Rest in Peace'

Candles were lit Tuesday night on Webster Street near the spot where 21-year-old Christopher Mykel Sanchez was found fatally injured early Saturday.

Messages were scrawled on the sidewalk, including "May you rest in peace" and "You'll be missed always."

People also left fresh-cut flowers, an uncarved pumpkin, and a can of Coors Light.

Sanchez sustained unspecified upper body trauma before police found him on the sidewalk in the 1200 block of Webster Street about 4 a.m. Oct. 20, according to Redlands police and coroner's personnel.

Paramedics from the Redlands Fire Department responded and pronounced Sanchez dead at the scene at 4:24 a.m., according to the coroner.

Gilbert Phillip Moreno, 21, also of Redlands, remained behind bars early Wednesday at West Valley Detention Center, where he was held without bail on suspicion of murder, according to inmate records.

Moreno was arrested about 7:40 p.m. Oct. 20 in the 3300 block of North Mountain Avenue in San Bernardino, according to inmate records.

Police have released no information about the motive or the cause or manner of Sanchez' death, other than to state they're investigating a homicide.

Just before 9 p.m. Oct. 23 the candles burned bright, about four blocks from Redlands Community Senior Center, where a city council candidates forum hosted by the North Redlands Visioning Committee just ended.

Moderator and committee chairman Mario Saucedo did not ask the candidates specifically about the alleged homicide, but he said after the forum he'd heard Sanchez was stabbed.

Coroner's personnel were expected to perform an autopsy this week.

Anyone with more information was urged to call Detective Rob Williams at (909) 798-7688 or Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681. Anonymous tips can be provided by texting 274637 using the keyword "REDTIP."

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