Broken axe lying near police tape with a dim crime scene and suburban home in background

Firefighter Arrested for Wife’s Axe Murder

At a Glance

  • Andrew Jimenez, a 45-year-old Glendale firefighter, is charged with murder after his wife was found dead.
  • The death was ruled a domestic-violence homicide involving an axe.
  • Jimenez faces up to 26 years to life in prison.

Why it matters: The case underscores how domestic-violence can tragically involve those sworn to protect others.

The investigation into the death of Mayra Jimenez, a 55-year-old resident of North Hollywood, began when her husband approached a police station requesting a welfare check. Officers arrived at the 5000 block of Satsuma Avenue at 4:25 a.m. and discovered a woman in her 50s deceased from multiple blunt-force injuries.

The Crime Scene

The LAPD described the scene as a “deadly case of domestic violence.” When officers entered the home, they found Mayra Jimenez with extensive trauma. A forensic team later confirmed the presence of an axe as the weapon used.

  • Victim: Mayra Jimenez, 55, identified as the wife of the suspect.
  • Suspect: Andrew Jimenez, 45, a firefighter and paramedic with the Glendale Fire Department since 2008.
  • Weapon: Axe, identified as the instrument of death.

Investigation Process

The LAPD’s homicide unit conducted interviews, reviewed surveillance footage, and processed the crime scene. Their findings confirmed that the victim and suspect were in a marital relationship and that the incident was an act of intimate-partner violence.

Date Event
Wednesday Jimenez approached the police station for a welfare check.
4:25 a.m. Officers arrived at the Satsuma Avenue residence.
Friday Jimenez was charged with one count of murder.

The Glendale Fire Department placed Jimenez off duty and on administrative leave following the arrest. The city issued a statement noting that the department had been notified by the LAPD and that the investigation is ongoing.

Charges and Legal Consequences

Andrew Jimenez has been charged with one count of murder, with an allegation of using an axe as a deadly weapon. If convicted, he faces up to 26 years to life in prison. An arraignment was scheduled for Friday, the same day the charge was announced.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office emphasized that no one, including those sworn to protect others, is above the law. The DA’s statement highlighted the broader issue of domestic-violence cases that often go unreported and can end tragically.

Community Impact and Statements

The death of Mayra Jimenez has prompted a community response. The Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline was urged as a resource for those experiencing or witnessing abuse. The district attorney’s office called the incident a “devastating reminder of the persistent scourge of intimate partner violence in our communities.”

Police notebook displaying a crime scene report with surveillance footage notes and witness statements near torn fabric.

In a statement, the Glendale Fire Department reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. The department’s response included notifying the city and cooperating fully with law-enforcement agencies.

Key Takeaways

  • The case illustrates how domestic-violence can involve professionals in public-service roles.
  • Law-enforcement agencies followed standard procedures: welfare-check request, crime-scene processing, and prompt charging of the suspect.
  • The investigation remains active, with ongoing cooperation between the LAPD, the Glendale Fire Department, and the District Attorney’s office.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and support systems for those at risk of intimate-partner violence.

Author

  • My name is Daniel J. Whitman, and I’m a Los Angeles–based journalist specializing in weather, climate, and environmental news.

    Daniel J. Whitman reports on transportation, infrastructure, and urban development for News of Los Angeles. A former Daily Bruin reporter, he’s known for investigative stories that explain how transit and housing decisions shape daily life across LA neighborhoods.

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