UPDATE: Suspect named in June murder at Hemet home where hours-long standoff occurred
UPDATED: Sunday, July 4, 3:40 p.m., With additional details, release of victim’s and suspect’s names.
Originally Published: Wednesday, June 23, 5:43 p.m.
HEMET, Calif. — Authorities who are continuing to investigate the fatal shooting of a Fresno man at a Hemet home last month have released both the victim’s name as well as the suspect’s name and have asked for help in locating the alleged gunman.
The deadly shooting occurred early Monday morning, June 21, at a private residence in the 40000 block of Marcela Lane near Evelyn Way, and led to an overnight standoff that ultimately did not result in an arrest.
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Deputies from the Hemet Station responded to the home at around 3:20 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Steve Brosche said in a recent press release regarding the shooting and ongoing murder investigation.
“When deputies arrived, they located an adult male, later identified as Pedro Ramirez-Hernandez, a 27 year-old from Fresno, suffering from a gunshot wound,” explained Brosche.
SWAT members are seen discussing an ongoing, hours-long standoff that occurred during the overnight hours of June 21. The standoff occurred after a man was shot at a Hemet home. He later passed away from his injuries. John Strangis/RMG Media photo
The victim was transported to Riverside University Health Systems Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition until passing away Friday, July 2. A coroner’s release indicated he was pronounced deceased by hospital staff at 4:28 p.m.
The ensuing investigation led to an hours-long standoff that lasted late into the next afternoon, with area residents initially being told to evacuate the area or shelter-in-place inside their homes.
As a Sheriff’s aviation crew circled overhead, several armored tactical rescue vehicles were moved into positions outside the residence while deputies continued attempts to hail anyone hiding inside the home.
Officials at the scene also requested assistance from Hemet PD, who sent a contingency of officers. A Tactical AMR Paramedic squad was also at the scene, standing by in case needed.
Sheriff’s SWAT members, along with deputies from the Hemet and San Jacinto Sheriff’s Stations and Hemet police officers remained in the neighborhood for several hours before entry was finally made into the home, which was found to be empty.
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Once the home was deemed safe, investigators from the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit and Hemet Sheriff’s Station assumed the investigation.
During their subsequent investigation officials developed leads and gathered information that led them to identifying Angel Contreras, 25, of Hemet, as the person responsible for the fatal shooting.
“He is wanted for his role in the murder of Hernandez and is currently outstanding,” said Brosche.
Angel Contreras, 25, of Hemet, is wanted for the murder of Pedro Ramirez-Hernandez, a 27 year-old from Fresno. The victim was shot at a Hemet home on June 21 and he passed away July 2. RSO photo
One shocked resident later told RCNS in a telephone interview that she and her husband heard between ten to twelve shots before deputies began arriving at the scene and found the victim.
“The gunshots sounded close, very close, and they went off very fast,” the neighbor, who requested to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, explained. “And then we started hearing sirens. Lots of them, approaching fast. So we knew something big had happened across the street.”
“But to hear it was a murder…” she said before trailing off and then adding, “How terrifying.”
This is an active investigation and anyone with information regarding this case or who knows the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to immediately contact Investigator Deanne of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777. Callers can refer to incident file number D211720011 and can remain anonymous.
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John Strangis/RMG Media photos above, video below.
Contact the writer: [email protected]
Trevor Montgomery, 50, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS).
Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County-based newspapers Valley News, Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; the Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County; and Mountain Echo in Shasta County. He is also a regular contributor to Thin Blue Line TV and Law Enforcement News Network and has had his stories featured on news stations throughout the Southern California and North State regions.
Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)
During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.
Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.
Trevor has been married for more than 30 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 18 grandchildren.
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