New details have emerged following the arrest of an off-duty Glendale firefighter in connection with the brutal beating death of his wife, allegedly carried out with an axe.
The victim, identified by family members as 55-year-old Mayra Jimenez, was remembered by friends as a “caring educator” and a union representative with United Teachers Los Angeles.
A union member who attended the couple’s wedding in 2014 confirmed that Jimenez taught at a local elementary school and said he had never observed any signs of conflict between the couple.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Glendale Firefighter Paramedic Andrew Jimenez, 45, walked into the Northeast Community Police Station around 4 a.m. on Jan. 21 and requested a welfare check on his wife.
Officers responded to the 5600 block of Satsuma Avenue, where they found the victim deceased with signs of a severe beating.
A neighbor, Camilla Cabrera, said she watched investigators remove boxes of evidence, including two large rifles, from the North Hollywood home where the victim was reportedly bludgeoned to death with an axe.
“Such a violent crime, the extreme,” Cabrera told KTLA. “There’s never been any violence or domestic violence or signs of that at all. So, I’m really surprised.”
LAPD Robbery and Homicide Lt. Guy Golan said Jimenez, who remains in custody at the Northeast Station, “does appear to be responsible for the incident and he appears to be in a cohabitating relationship with our victim.”
Family members were visibly distraught when they arrived at the scene, while longtime neighbors expressed disbelief that a man tasked with saving lives was allegedly responsible for taking one.
“He’s supposed to be protecting us,” Cabrera said. “What’s come of this world?”
Investigators have not released a possible motive. However, Jimenez’s attorney said in a statement that their office is in contact with law enforcement regarding a diary belonging to the victim that was allegedly read moments before the homicide and “verified infidelity by the decedent.”
In a statement, the Glendale Fire Department said it is aware of the active homicide investigation and is cooperating with law enforcement.
“This is an extremely serious and deeply troubling matter. First and foremost, our hearts are with the victim’s family and loved ones, and we extend our sincere condolences as they grieve this tragic loss,” the statement read. “Due to the active and ongoing nature of the investigation, the City of Glendale and the Glendale Fire Department are unable to provide additional comments at this time.”
Jimenez began his service with the Glendale Fire Department in 2008 and was recently promoted. He was considered a distinguished firefighter and had helped battle the Palisades Fire.
He was booked on suspicion of murder and is being held on $2 million bail. Although he has not yet been formally charged, he has been relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact LAPD’s Valley Bureau at 818-374-9550. Anonymous tips may be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.