On July 27, 2021, at 8:43 p.m., deputies assigned to the Thermal Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the area of Fifth St. and Vine Ave., Coachella. Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim with major traumatic injuries. Emergency life saving measures were attempted, but the male succumbed to his injuries. Deputies also detained a suspect carrying a machete, who was still at the scene. The suspect was identified as Gabriel Ramirez, 53 years of Coachella. Deputies secured the area as a crime scene and station investigators responded to begin the investigation. The Central Homicide Unit also responded and assumed the investigation.

The decedent was identified as Jimmy Meza, 46 years of Coachella. The investigation is currently on-going and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Rodriguez at the Thermal Station at 760-863-8990 or Investigator Mendoza with the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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