JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. — The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has announced a devastating update in the July 14, 2025, shooting in Jurupa Valley, confirming that 21-year-old Jose Martinez-Contreras succumbed to his injuries, transforming the case into a homicide investigation. The loss of the young man has left the community reeling, prompting renewed urgency from authorities and widespread grief among family, friends, and residents.
The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of Monday, July 14, 2025, at approximately 12:20 a.m., when deputies from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to reports of gunfire in the area of Golden West Avenue and Condor Drive, south of Mission Boulevard and the 60 Freeway. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Martinez-Contreras suffering from a gunshot wound. They immediately provided medical aid before paramedics transported him to a local hospital, where he fought for his life in critical condition for several days.
Despite exhaustive efforts by medical staff, Martinez-Contreras tragically passed away from his injuries, with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirming his death on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The Riverside County Coroner’s Office is conducting a full autopsy to determine the official cause of death, though further details regarding the exact time of death have not been released.
**A Young Life Remembered**
Jose Martinez-Contreras, just 21 years old, was described by those who knew him as a kind and vibrant individual with a promising future. His untimely death has left a profound void in the Jurupa Valley community, where loved ones have gathered at memorials and shared heartfelt tributes online. “He was the kind of person who lit up a room,” a close friend recalled. “This loss hurts everyone who knew him.”
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief, with community members organizing vigils to honor Martinez-Contreras’ memory and support his grieving family. Social media posts reflect a collective sense of sorrow and a call for an end to the gun violence that claimed his life.
**Homicide Investigation and Arrests**
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit has assumed control of the investigation, which has shifted from an attempted murder case to a homicide inquiry following Martinez-Contreras’ death. Authorities have revealed that the shooting was preceded by an armed robbery, adding complexity to the case.
Investigators have made significant progress, arresting two suspects in connection with the crime. On Friday, July 18, 2025, 19-year-old Lorenzo Howse Jr. of Bloomington, an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, was apprehended with assistance from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department’s Special Enforcement Division and the Riverside Sheriff’s Major Crime Unit. A search warrant executed at Howse’s residence led to his arrest, and he was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center without bail on suspicion of attempted murder and robbery. Following Martinez-Contreras’ death, the charges against Howse are expected to be updated to reflect the homicide.
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, a second suspect, 19-year-old Darnell White of Jurupa Valley, was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of murder and robbery. Bail information for White has not been disclosed. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the robbery and shooting, including potential motives and the relationship between the suspects and the victim.
**Community Response and Call for Information**
The death of Jose Martinez-Contreras has sent shockwaves through Jurupa Valley, reigniting concerns about gun violence and its devastating impact on young lives. Community leaders are calling for unity and action to address the root causes of such tragedies, with plans for vigils and discussions to promote peace and safety in the area.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department remains steadfast in its commitment to seeking justice for Martinez-Contreras and his family. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing that even seemingly minor details could be crucial. Investigator Deanne or Investigator Medina can be reached at (951) 955-2777 or (951) 955-2600, respectively. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Riverside County Crime Stoppers, with the possibility of a reward for information leading to further arrests or convictions.
As the investigation continues, the Jurupa Valley community mourns the loss of a young man whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has pledged to pursue every lead to ensure those responsible are held accountable, offering hope for closure to a grieving community.
