Tragedy struck in Jurupa Valley as 21-year-old Jose Martinez-Contreras succumbed to gunshot wounds, according to an update by the Riverside Sheriff's Office. The incident, which occurred on Golden West Avenue and Condor Drive, initially responded to by deputies as an assault with a deadly weapon, has now escalated to a homicide investigation following Martinez-Contreras's death on Sunday, July 20.
Investigators uncovered that the victim had been the target of an armed robbery just before the fatal shooting, leading them to identify 19-year-old Darnell White of Jurupa Valley as a second suspect. Swift action by the Riverside County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit, aided by a warranted arrest, resulted in White being taken into custody at his residence. The Riverside Sheriff's Office has stated White now faces charges for murder and robbery.
The case saw its first break when Lorenzo Howse Jr., 19, was apprehended last Friday with support from the San Bernardino Sheriff's Special Enforcement Division. Howse, alleged to have been the initial shooter, is currently held on attempted murder charges, though these are expected to be upgraded following the victim's death. Both suspects are detained at the Robert Presley Detention Center, with the community urged to come forward with any potential leads.
With the investigation in full swing, the Riverside Sheriff's Office remains tight-lipped, releasing no further details at present.
