Cold Case Homicide – Public Assistance Request
March 2, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on August 11, 2002, at approximately 4:15 a.m., deputies assigned to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Indio Station (now Thermal Station) responded to a report of a traffic collision near the intersection of Avenida Mendoza and Calle Durango in La Quinta. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male inside the vehicle, later identified as 27-year-old Hernan Marquez of Indio. Marquez was suffering from gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.
Investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation. The investigation revealed that Marquez had been attending a house party in the 52200 block of Avenida Mendoza, where an altercation occurred. During the incident, as Marquez was leaving the location, he was shot by an unknown individual. Marquez then drove away from the area at a high rate of speed, eventually losing control of his vehicle and colliding with several parked vehicles.
Despite an extensive investigation, the case ultimately went cold, and no arrests were made. Over 20 years later, as part of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to review unsolved homicide cases, investigators from the Central Homicide Unit recently reexamined this case. Through this review, investigators identified several potential leads and follow-up tasks, aided by advancements in forensic testing. Based on this information, the case was officially reopened.
In an effort to provide justice for Marquez and closure for his family, the Central Homicide Unit is requesting the public’s assistance. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to come forward.
This investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information will be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Master Investigator Robertson or Deputy Lucifora at (951) 955-2777.
Individuals can also submit information through the Sheriff’s Office Online Tip Line. Form Center • Homicide Tip Line
Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Jarred Bishop
File # LA022230010
Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office
