RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A tragic incident in Riverside County has left a young man dead and two others arrested following a violent armed robbery and fatal shooting. Lorenzo Howse Jr., 19, of Bloomington, and Darnell White, 19, of Jurupa Valley, have been apprehended in connection with the death of 21-year-old Jose Martinez-Contreras. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of July 14, 2025, near Golden West Avenue and Condor Drive in Jurupa Valley.

The shooting, which unfolded on the streets of Riverside County, marks another chapter in the ongoing struggles with violence in the community, particularly related to robbery-related shootings. The events leading up to the death of Jose Martinez-Contreras and the arrests of the two suspects have captured significant attention within the Riverside community, especially considering the youth of the individuals involved. This case highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime and its tragic impact on families and communities.

The Incident: A Violent Confrontation

According to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reports, the altercation that led to the shooting began as an armed robbery. Authorities were first alerted to the situation when a 911 call was made reporting a shooting and assault in progress. Officers arrived at the scene near the intersection of Golden West Avenue and Condor Drive in Jurupa Valley at approximately 12:30 a.m. and found Jose Martinez-Contreras suffering from a gunshot wound.

The young man was immediately taken to the hospital, where he was initially treated for his injuries. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, Martinez-Contreras succumbed to his injuries six days later, on July 20, 2025. The fatal gunshot wound, which struck him during the robbery, proved to be too severe, and he passed away surrounded by family and friends.

The Robbery and Shooting: The First Reported Details

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the shooting occurred after a verbal confrontation that escalated into violence. Investigators say that Lorenzo Howse Jr. and Darnell White were involved in an armed robbery targeting Jose Martinez-Contreras. While many specifics of the confrontation remain unclear, law enforcement officials believe that Martinez-Contreras was likely confronted by the suspects in what began as a robbery but quickly turned violent when one of the suspects fired the fatal shot.

The fact that the altercation occurred in a public area and close to a local convenience store raised further questions about the nature of the crime. According to witnesses and the evidence collected by police, Howse Jr. and White fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Investigators believe they were in a hurry to escape the area, and it was likely that they knew law enforcement would be arriving shortly after the shooting was reported.

The Arrests: Lorenzo Howse Jr. and Darnell White Taken into Custody

Following the deadly shooting, Lorenzo Howse Jr. was identified as a suspect in the case, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department launched an extensive manhunt. Howse was located in Bloomington, California, on July 18, 2025, when police executed a search warrant at a residence. Howse Jr. was arrested without incident and was later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on charges of attempted murder and armed robbery.

During the investigation, police also identified Darnell White, the second suspect involved in the robbery and shooting. White was located and arrested at his home in Jurupa Valley on July 20, 2025. He faces charges of murder and robbery. Like Howse, White was booked into Robert Presley Detention Center, where he remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has continued to investigate the exact details of the shooting and the robbery, and authorities have stated that they believe the shooting was not random but instead targeted the victim. Investigators have not yet disclosed whether the victim and suspects had any prior relationship or connection, but they are exploring any potential links or conflicts that may have led to the violence.

Community Impact: The Loss of Jose Martinez-Contreras

Jose Martinez-Contreras, a 21-year-old man, was described by friends and family as a kind-hearted and hard-working individual. He was known in the community as a positive figure who was deeply involved in his personal life, including his academic and professional pursuits. His tragic death has left his family devastated and the local community mourning the loss of a young man with so much potential.

Family members have been vocal about their grief and have released public statements urging for justice and expressing their deep sorrow over Martinez-Contreras’s death. His mother, Maria Contreras, stated in an interview with local news, “We never imagined that something like this could happen to our son. He had dreams. He had a future. And now, because of a senseless act of violence, that future has been taken from us.”

The loss of Martinez-Contreras has led to an outpouring of support from the community, with many organizing events to honor his memory and raise awareness about the dangers of robbery-related violence. Local churches and civic organizations have held memorial services, and some have called for stronger law enforcement presence in the area to help curb violent crime.

Investigation Ongoing: Detectives Seeking Further Clarity

The investigation into the shooting and robbery remains ongoing. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has asked for any individuals with information to come forward. Detectives are still seeking further evidence to determine the full scope of the altercation and to clarify the sequence of events leading to Jose Martinez-Contreras’s death. Authorities are particularly interested in any witnesses who may have been present in the area at the time of the shooting or who might have seen Howse and White before or after the incident.

The department has also appealed to the public for any surveillance footage from nearby businesses, including the Hooper City Convenience Store, where the shooting took place. Law enforcement believes that video footage may provide crucial evidence that could shed light on the circumstances of the incident.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has reassured the community that they are doing everything possible to bring justice to the family of Jose Martinez-Contreras and to ensure that those responsible for the crime are held accountable for their actions.

The Legal Proceedings: What’s Next for the Suspects?

Both Lorenzo Howse Jr. and Darnell White have been formally charged in connection with the death of Jose Martinez-Contreras. They are currently in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. Both men are facing serious charges that could lead to significant prison sentences if convicted.

The legal process is expected to unfold over the coming months as both the prosecution and defense prepare for trial. Prosecutors will likely focus on securing a first-degree murder conviction for White, given that he is accused of firing the fatal shot. Howse, who was arrested on charges of attempted murder, will also face a lengthy legal battle as his case progresses through the courts.

The community is closely following the case, with many hoping for a swift resolution and justice for Martinez-Contreras and his family. The case also brings attention to the ongoing issue of violent crime in the Riverside area, prompting renewed calls for intervention and support for crime victims and their families.

A Call to Action: Preventing Further Violence

This tragic incident has highlighted the continuing problem of violence related to armed robbery in the United States. Across the nation, communities are grappling with an increase in violent crimes, and many are calling for more resources to address the root causes of these acts.

Community leaders have called for greater collaboration between law enforcement and local organizations to reduce violent crime in the Riverside area. This includes stronger preventive measures, youth outreach programs, and efforts to address systemic issues like poverty and lack of education, which often contribute to criminal behavior.

Local activists and civic leaders have also stressed the need for more resources for victims of violent crime, particularly families who, like the Martinez-Contreras family, are left with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence. They argue that more needs to be done to ensure that families affected by violent crime receive the support they need to heal and move forward.

Conclusion: Seeking Justice for Jose Martinez-Contreras

The fatal shooting of Jose Martinez-Contreras has brought attention to the dangers of armed robbery and the tragic consequences that can result from these violent acts. The arrests of Lorenzo Howse Jr. and Darnell White mark an important step in the pursuit of justice for Martinez-Contreras and his family, but the case is far from over.

As the investigation continues, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is urging the public to come forward with any additional information that could help clarify the events leading to the shooting. For the family and community of Jose Martinez-Contreras, the path to justice and closure is still unfolding, and they continue to hope that those responsible for this tragic incident will be held accountable for their actions.

This story is developing, and authorities will provide further updates as more information becomes available.