Editor’s Note: Updated on March 13, 4:30 p.m.
Additional police patrols will be added to the downtown Riverside area as a result of a March 12 homicide involving two people being stabbed to death, Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said in a statement. Police say there is no suspect in custody at this time.
“The investigation is in its early stages, but Police Chief Larry Gonzalez has directed our officers to have an increased police presence in the downtown area,” the statement added. “I look forward to learning more specific details as the investigation proceeds.”
The Riverside Police Department responded to the incident at approximately 2 a.m. to a report of a “person down” on 12th and Orange street. News media helicopters could be heard circling the Riverside City College Campus in response to the homicide later that morning.
When RPD arrived, they found one victim at the scene and another victim about 50 feet away behind the Riverside Historic Courthouse, according to officials. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene by local firefighters and paramedics.
The two victims’ identities have not been released, but according to The Press-Enterprise, the deceased individuals include a male and a female.
Social media comments made by locals allege that the two victims were people experiencing homelessness who frequented the area by the courthouse.
“We’re not sure if there was any relation between the two. Again, we think the investigation is going to reveal that information,” RPD Detective Steven Espinoza told ABC7 news in an interview.
When asked if any weapons were recovered at the scene, Espinoza did not provide a direct answer, saying,“There was mention of a stabbing in the initial call, but it’s undetermined at this time if it truly was a stabbing or not.”
User @theevickson, commented on one social media post that was about the crime, saying, “Richard was the sweetest guy. Always loved saying hi to him during my walks.”
A reply by user @moobear_2018 said, “Yes, Richard def didn’t deserve what happened to him. Always smiling and super sweet.”
A woman, who claimed to be the unnamed victim’s family member, spoke with a security guard outside the scene of the incident.
The security guard seemed to be familiar with the female victim. He said that he had seen her multiple times before while patrolling and tried to help her however he could.
C. Riley, a security guard stationed at a local parking structure, said that despite a recent shooting at a nearby car wash that closed the same structure just last month, there is usually little crime in the area.
The Riverside Downtown Partnership Executive Director Janice Penner told The Press-Enterprise that she found the stabbing troubling and that the area where it happened is usually quiet at night. “Unfortunately, it is difficult to anticipate random acts of violence in deserted areas,” said Penner.
Investigators are attempting to put together a description of the attacker but no information has been released. Espinoza said, “My understanding is that they are looking for a suspect at this time, so based off what the initial investigation has determined, they are seeking footage and description of a suspect.”
The RPD is encouraging anyone with any information to contact them, “What we seek from the public is if anyone heard anything, saw anything, please reach out,” Espinoza said.
Breanne Soto and Brylle Deseo contributed to the article.
