Homicide Investigation 

July 11, 2024 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 8:12 p.m., the Blythe Police Department requested the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office to the 500 block of East Avenue A in the city of Blythe regarding two gunshot victims in a business parking lot. Life-saving measures were attempted; however, the victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. Responding deputies arrived and assisted officers from the Blythe Police Department with securing the area, which was closed to all vehicle and foot traffic.

Investigators from the Colorado River Station, Central Homicide Unit, and the Coroner’s Bureau were notified and responded to the scene. Investigators from the Central Homicide Unit assumed control of the investigation. A secondary crime scene associated with the initial shooting was located on the 900 block of East Avenue B in the city of Blythe. Personnel from the Central Homicide Unit notified the victim’s next of kin. The victims in this incident have been identified as 45-year-old Audelio Solorio and 27-year-old Deveon Keyshawn Smith, both residents of Blythe.

During the course of this investigation, the suspect, identified as Jose Angel Manjarrez, an 18-year-old resident of Blythe, was arrested and booked into the Blythe Jail for murder. This investigation is still ongoing, and no additional information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Munoz with the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777 or Investigator Morlock at the Colorado River Station at (760) 921-7900.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Rafael Victorio

File # MB241900001

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office