A 32-year-old man has been formally charged in connection with a deadly triple shooting in the Lake Los Angeles area that left three people dead. Authorities say the case remains under investigation as prosecutors consider pursuing the harshest penalties under California law.

Officials confirmed that Axel Trevino faces three counts of murder, along with a special-circumstance allegation of multiple murders. Prosecutors also filed additional allegations that Trevino personally and intentionally discharged a firearm during the killings. The charges carry the potential of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, depending on how prosecutors proceed.

The shootings occurred around 4:45 p.m. Sunday in a remote desert stretch near 215th Street East and East Palmdale Boulevard. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responding to the scene discovered three victims fatally shot inside two separate vehicles.

The victims were identified as 44-year-old Juan Arteaga Diaz, 54-year-old Nazario Ramirez, and 65-year-old Beverly Cassese. Investigators allege Trevino drove eastbound and pulled up alongside the first vehicle, where Arteaga Diaz and Ramirez were seated, before opening fire and striking both men multiple times. He then allegedly targeted Cassese in a separate vehicle, shooting her several times before fleeing.

Detectives have not disclosed a motive and are still working to determine whether Trevino knew the victims or if other circumstances led to the deadly encounter.

Trevino was arrested on Tuesday, two days after the killings. At his first court appearance on Thursday, a judge ordered him held without bail. His formal arraignment is scheduled for September 4, giving prosecutors time to review evidence and decide whether to pursue capital punishment.

The shootings have left the Lake Los Angeles community shaken, raising questions about whether the remote desert setting was chosen intentionally. Residents say the violence has brought fear and unease to the quiet area as investigators continue piecing together what happened.

Law enforcement officials are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation. Tips can be provided to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 and lacrimestoppers.org.

As the legal process moves forward, the families of Arteaga Diaz, Ramirez, and Cassese are left to grieve the sudden and violent loss of their loved ones.