Homicide Suspects Arrested
July 21, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Sunday, July 20, 2025, homicide investigators were notified that the victim had succumbed to his injuries. The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Jose Martinez-Contreras.
During the course of the investigation, investigators learned that Martinez-Contreras was also the victim of an armed robbery just prior to the shooting, and a second suspect was identified. The second suspect was identified as 19-year-old Darnell White, a resident of Jurupa Valley. Investigators worked quickly and were able to obtain an arrest warrant for White.
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit, White was apprehended at his residence in Jurupa Valley. White was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for murder and robbery.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information will be released.
The Riverside Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Master Investigator Deanne of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777 or Jurupa Valley Station Investigator Medina at (951) 955-2600.
Original Details:
On Monday, July 14, 2025, at 12:22 a.m., deputies from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff's Station were dispatched to the area of Golden West Avenue and Condor Drive, Jurupa Valley, regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon arrival, deputies discovered an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputies rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital in critical condition.
Jurupa Valley Station investigators responded and began the investigation. Based on the poor prognosis of the victim, the Riverside Sheriff's Office Central Homicide Unit was requested and ultimately assumed the investigation. During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as 19-year-old Lorenzo Howse Jr., a resident of Bloomington.
On Friday, July 18, 2025, with the assistance of the San Bernardino Sheriff's Special Enforcement Division and the Riverside Sheriff's Major Crime Unit, the suspect was apprehended during the service of a search warrant in Bloomington. Lorenzo Howse Jr. was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for attempted murder.
The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.
The Riverside Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Master Investigator Deanne of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777 or Jurupa Valley Station Investigator Medina at (951) 955-2600.
Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Mike Kelleher
File # JV251950002
Source & photos: Riverside County Sheriff's Office
