Hemet, California – On Sunday, September 8, 2024, at about 2:03 am, Hemet Police Officers responded to the 200 block of East Florida Avenue, Hemet in regards to a stabbing that had just occurred. The reporting party informed dispatch someone was stabbed outside the bar.
When Officers arrived on scene they located an unresponsive adult male victim suffering from several stab wounds. Officers provided lifesaving measures until relieved by Hemet Fire Personnel who transported the victim to a local hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The victim’s name is not being released at this time, pending notification to his family. The Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene to handle the investigation.
Update – Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation. During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified 28-year old Kenneth Hurtado as the suspect responsible for the homicide.
On September 8, 2024, at about 10pm, Riverside County Gang Impact Team (GIT) located and apprehended Hurtado in the city of San Jacinto. Hurtado was transported to Hemet PD and then to Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility where he was booked for homicide and held on a $1,000,000 bail.
This complex investigation involved detectives and patrol officers from the Hemet Police Department in cooperation with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, and the Riverside County Gang Impact Team. This outcome would not have been possible without the dedication, teamwork and the countless hours invested by everyone involved.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Detective Thomas Spellacy at (951) 765-2324 or provide anonymous information through the Hemet Police Department’s smartphone app, available for free in Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android users. Anonymous tips are always accepted.