Crime & Safety
RivCo Sheriff's Deputies Investigating Two-Year-Old's Death as Murder
The sheriff's department announced the death of a local toddler Tuesday. Homicide detectives are now handling the case.
The recent death of a 2-year-old east of Palm Desert in the Coachella Valley is being investigated as a murder, Riverside County Sheriff's officials said Tuesday.
According to Sheriff's Sergeant Jim Erickson, Jorge Lizarraga was found injured in a Thermal home on Friday, in the area of Airport Boulevard and the 86 Expressway.
"Upon arrival deputies found a two-year-old child, identified as Jorge Lizarraga, suffering from unexplained injuries," Erickson said in a news release, adding that deputies were called out for a "juvenile medical aid."
"Jorge was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries," according to the sergeant.
Homicide investigators were called out to the scene, and an autopsy was ordered.
"The Riverside County Coroner's Office listed the cause of death as blunt force trauma," Erickson said.
No further details were being released at this time, he said.
However, anyone with information in this case was encouraged to contact Investigator Button at the Central Homicide Unit at (760) 393 – 3500.
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