Nearly 10 Years Later, Arrest Made in 2016 Apple Valley Murder of Michael Brooks
APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A nearly decade-old homicide investigation has resulted in the arrest of a suspect in the 2016 shooting death of Apple Valley resident Michael Brooks.
Michael Austin Roberts, 27, was arrested on February 3, 2026, while already in custody at West Valley Detention Center on an unrelated charge.
According to a written statement from the Sheriff’s Department, detectives with the Cold Case Homicide Team interviewed Roberts and subsequently arrested him for the murder of Brooks.
On August 10, 2016, deputies from the Apple Valley Station responded to a residence in the 12600 block of Apple Valley Road and discovered 54-year-old Michael Brooks deceased from a single gunshot wound. Investigators determined the fatal injury was not self-inflicted.
Despite an extensive investigation at the time and numerous interviews, no suspect was identified and the case went cold.
In 2025, detectives with the Sheriff’s Cold Case Homicide Team reopened the case and identified Roberts, who was 18 at the time of the crime, as a suspect.
Brooks, affectionately known as “Mudslinger,” was a father to three daughters, three sons, and a stepdaughter. He was remembered by his family as a hardworking man who spent over 30 years in the High Desert, building strong ties with friends and community members across Apple Valley.
“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.”
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be submitted through We-Tip at 800-78-CRIME (27463) or at wetip.com.
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