Two Fatalities in Blythe Shooting; Suspect Arrested and Investigation Continues
On Monday, July 8, 2024, at 8:12 p.m., the Blythe Police Department, in need of additional support, called on the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office concerning a shooting incident in the parking lot of a business located at the 500 block of East Avenue A, Blythe. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two gunshot victims and attempted life-saving measures, but both victims were declared deceased at the scene.
The area was immediately secured by the responding officers from the Blythe Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies, and was closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The Colorado River Station, Central Homicide Unit, and the Coroner’s Bureau were promptly notified, with the Central Homicide Unit taking over the investigation.
Further investigations led to the discovery of a secondary crime scene related to the shooting on the 900 block of East Avenue B. The victims have been identified as Audelio Solorio, 45, and Deveon Keyshawn Smith, 27, both residents of Blythe.
The suspect, 18-year-old Jose Angel Manjarrez, also from Blythe, was arrested and charged with murder. He is currently held at the Blythe Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are withheld at this time.
Individuals with information pertinent to this case are urged to contact Investigator Munoz of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777 or Investigator Morlock at the Colorado River Station at (760) 921-7900. For media inquiries, please reach out to the Media Information Bureau.
