Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Press Release Re: Riverside Co. Mass Murder in Aguanga
Murder Investigation – Seeking Public Assistance
Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Jarred Bishop
File #D202510002
Update:
On September 7, 2020, Central Homicide Unit investigators began the investigation into a mass murder that occurred in the 45000 block of Highway 371, Aguanga. A total of seven victims were shot to death in what appeared to be a home invasion robbery of an illicit marijuana operation. Over 1,000 marijuana plants and several hundred pounds of processed marijuana were located at the scene. All of the victims were of Laotian descent.
Over the past four years, multiple leads have been identified and followed up on by the investigative team. Investigators believe that this was a targeted incident involving gang members of a Laotian descent from the San Diego area. Investigators have also identified one of the suspect vehicles used in this incident as a mid-size dark colored SUV.
Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in solving this murder. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Unit Master Investigator Victor Magana or Master Investigator Ryan Deanne at (951) 955-2777 or by email [email protected].
Individuals can also submit information through the Sheriff’s Office Online Tip Line.
Details:
On Monday, September 7, 2020, at 12:33 AM, deputies responded to a residence in the 45000 block of Highway 371 in the unincorporated area of Aguanga, for a report of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Once deputies arrived to begin their investigation, they located a female adult suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics immediately transported the female to a local hospital for medical treatment. Deputies found six additional victims suffering from gunshot wounds. All six victims at the location died as a result of their injuries. Despite life-saving efforts by medical personnel, the female who was transported also died from her injuries. In total, seven victims died as a result of this incident.
Investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Central Homicide Unit and Hemet Station responded and assumed the investigation. Evidence located at the scene indicated the location was being used to manufacture and harvest an illicit marijuana operation. There was over one-thousand pounds of marijuana and several hundred marijuana plants located at the scene.
The area was searched for a suspect; however, the suspect(s) remains outstanding. Investigators are currently working on leads, and the investigation is ongoing. This appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the general public.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Paz at (951) 955-2777.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.