The Hemet Police Department is asking for the public’s help in solving one of its cold cases—the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Juventino Alvarez, who was killed during a street fight on July 4, 2011.
At approximately 11:58 p.m., the Hemet Police Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a large street fight near the intersection of Thornton Avenue and Granite Drive in the City of Hemet. Callers described a violent disturbance involving numerous males, some reportedly armed with baseball bats.
When officers arrived, they found Alvarez lying in the street, surrounded by three individuals attempting to help an unresponsive Alvarez, who was covered in blood and had no detectable pulse. Despite efforts by emergency medical personnel, Alvarez was pronounced deceased at the scene. A subsequent examination revealed that Alvarez died from a stab wound to the left side of his chest, which pierced his heart.
The investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation. According to the victim’s girlfriend, she was attempting to leave the neighborhood when Alvarez stopped to speak with her through the passenger window of her vehicle. At that moment, a dark-colored Dodge Neon with Arizona license plates pulled onto the street. The vehicle’s occupants made a comment towards his girlfriend, provoking a reaction from him. A confrontation ensued and quickly escalated as the occupants exited the Dodge, and a physical fight broke out.
“A young man’s life was senselessly cut short over a trivial dispute,” the Hemet Police Department said. “It’s time to bring closure to his loved ones and hold the person responsible accountable for this tragic loss.”
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Hemet Police Department at 951-765-3898 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be made through the Hemet Police Department’s smartphone app, available for free in the Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android users.
