Suspect Carrying a Machete Detained in Coachella Homicide Crime Scene
Photo: Gabriel Ramirez
THERMAL – A report of an assault with a deadly weapon quickly dispatched Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Deputies at 8:43 PM on 07/27/2021 from the Thermal Station. Deputies headed to Coachella, arriving on scene to the area of Fifth Street and Vine Avenue.
Once there, Deputies encountered a male victim suffering major traumatic injuries. Emergency life- saving measures were immediately employed, but the man succumbed to his severe bodily trauma.
In addition, Deputies discovered a man carrying a machete – still at the scene. He was swiftly detained and ID’d as Gabriel Ramirez (53), of Coachella.
The area was secured as a crime scene, in preparation for responding Thermal Station Investigators. The investigation commenced shortly thereafter.
Next, the Central Homicide Unit arrived onscene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. As a result, the victim was later identified as Jimmy Meza (46), of Coachella.
While this homicide investigation is currently ongoing – no further information may be released at this time.
Sergeant Ben Ramirez encourages anyone with information regarding investigation #Y212080048 to give a call to Investigator Rodriguez at the Thermal Station at 760-863-8990 or Investigator Mendoza with the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.
