Brawley Man Arrested in Connection with Double Homicide

BRAWLEY, Calif. (April 23, 2023) — A 24-year-old Brawley resident has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of two individuals in what authorities are calling a targeted, isolated incident.

According to the Brawley Police Department (BPD), officers were alerted on the evening of April 21 around 7:55 p.m. when the Brawley Fire Department responded to a medical emergency in the 1000 block of Calle Del Sol. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a male and a female victim, both suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Brawley Investigations Team (BIT)—a task force comprising members of BPD, the United States Border Patrol, and the California National Guard—took over the investigation. Officials say a suspect was identified through forensic evidence, witness statements, and various leads pursued over the course of the investigation.

On April 23, authorities arrested Brandon Hamlin, 24, of Brawley. He was booked into the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Jail on two counts of murder and is being held on $1 million bail.

Investigators believe Hamlin acted alone and that the victims were deliberately targeted. No further suspects are being sought at this time.

The Brawley Police Department acknowledged the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and its Scientific Investigations Unit for their assistance in processing evidence.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Daniel Schleyer at (760) 351-7772 or the Brawley Police Department at (760) 344-2111.