HPD 09-100284, David “Skip” Ganns
On January 10, 2009, at approximately 2309 hours, the Hemet Police Department Communications Center received a call from an employee at Depot Deli at 200 W. Florida Avenue. The caller said there was a subject outside the store with a knife, and an employee was hurt and needed medical attention. Officers arrived on the scene and located the victim, David “Skip” Ganns, on the ground, unresponsive, and appeared to be suffering from a stab wound to the chest. American Medical Response (AMR) arrived and transported the victim to the Hemet Valley Hospital (now known as Hemet Global Medical Center). The victim ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
During the investigation, it was discovered that two younger Hispanic males were involved in the incident. A suspect entered the business and took a pack of beer from the cooler. The suspect placed the beer on the counter near the register but ran out of the business with the beer when the employee behind the counter asked to see his identification. The employee saw that Skip, who also worked for the business, was waiting outside for his shift to start. He yelled to Skip to let him know that the suspect had left the store with unpaid beer. Skip intervened and grabbed the suspect by the back of his jacket, causing him to drop the beer. Another suspect, who had been outside waiting, confronted Skip and stabbed him in the chest. The suspects fled the business without the beer.
Several witnesses to the incident stated they could identify the suspects if they saw them again. We have not forgotten Skip and know that our community has not either. He was a beloved member of our town—someone who touched the lives of many. The loss of Skip left a void in the hearts of family, friends, and neighbors, and we are committed to seeking justice in his name.
If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward. Your help could be the missing piece needed to close this case and hold those responsible accountable.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hemet Police Department at 951.765.3898, provide anonymous information 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, or email Coldcase@hemetca.gov. Justice for Skip is still within reach, and together, we can ensure his story is not forgotten.
Photos Related to the Case
