Murder In Apple Valley Home Of Church Minister

APPLE VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — A homicide occurred inside the Apple Valley home of a church minister.

That much has been confirmed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. What hasn't been confirmed yet by police is whether the man who lived there -- a minister and an elder at a nearby church -- was the victim of the crime.

Joe Alexander and his son Anthony Brandon said they had to see for themselves after they got an unnerving call about their close friend who lived in the home on the 12700 block of Kiowa Road in Apple Valley.

"He's a stand up man. Man of God. Loved the word. Loved the Lord," said Brandon. "I would just go to his house to say hello to him. We'd have bible study right then and there. And get into prayer."

Alexander said he hadn't heard from the man who lived there in about a week.

Today another friend stopped by to do a welfare check.

A neighbor who didn't want to go on camera said the friend was able to get inside and found a body.

Other neighbors said the deadly discovery is upsetting.

"Be alert of your surroundings," said neighbor Edna Smith. "That's all I can say. Keep your doors locked."