Officials investigating Moreno Valley murder-suicide

MORENO VALLEY – Officials from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Moreno Valley Police Station announced today, July 5 that they are investigating an apparent murder-suicide that occurred in the 13200 Block of Wichita Way, in Moreno Valley. The incident occurred June 24, at about 9:52 a.m., according to Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Walter Mendez.

Deputies were initially dispatched to the residence regarding a suicide threat. When they arrived they located two adults who were both shot inside the home.

One person, later identified by coroner’s officials as Renee Dollene Mackenzie, 47, of Lake Elsinore was found deceased.

A man who was identified as Mackenzie’s boyfriend, Joseph Anthony Mendez, 53, of Moreno Valley, was still alive but suffering from what investigators determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Paramedics responded to the location and treated Mendez at the scene before they transported him to a local hospital. At the time his condition was listed in critical condition.

On June 29, Mendez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital where he was being treated for his self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Due to the circumstances, investigators from the Moreno Valley Police Station and the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded to the location and assumed the investigation. “Based on their investigation, investigators determined the incident was a murder-suicide and that Mendez was the assailant responsible,” according to Mendez.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Investigator Albert Loureiro of the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit at (760) 393-3524. Callers can refer to incident file number MV161760125 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

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