Hemet, Calif. — On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at approximately 12:45 am, Hemet Police Department officers responded to a motel located in the 2600 block of W. Florida Ave, Hemet, regarding shots fired. Hemet police officers arrived on scene and located a male gunshot victim. Officers provided lifesaving measures until relieved by Hemet Fire Personnel. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation. The suspect, who was later identified as Stephon Blakely, got into a physical altercation with the victim. After the initial altercation, Blakely shot the victim and fled the scene. Blakely who resided in New York had only been in California for approximately one month prior to the incident.
A 187 PC Ramey Warrant ($1,000,000) was issued for his arrest. On August 1, 2022, after several years on the run, Blakely was arrested in North Carolina and extradited to California for his murder charges.
This complex investigation involved investigators from the Hemet Police Department in cooperation with the Riverside County Gang Impact Team (GIT) and the Riverside County District Attorney’s office.
The jury trial concluded on August 7, 2025. On August 12, 2025, the jury delivered its verdict, finding Blakely guilty of murder. He was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 40 years to life in prison for his involvement.