On July 18, deputies from the Thermal Sheriff Station responded to a vehicle fire at Pierce Street south of Airport Boulevard in Thermal. CAL Fire extinguished the fire and found a deceased individual inside. Deputies established a crime scene, and investigators from the Central Homicide Unit responded.
Evidence of homicidal violence was found during a post mortem examination conducted at the Coroner’s Office in Indio.
On July 28, the identity of the homicide victim, 23-year-old Luis Pinedo of Mecca, was confirmed through dental records.
This is still an active investigation. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Mendoza at 951-955-2777.
