David Ganns, known to friends and the community as "Skip," was a beloved member of the town of Hemet, California. He was a man who touched many lives and was remembered for his willingness to step in and do the right thing. His loss in 2009 left a significant void in the hearts of his family, friends, and neighbors, who continue to await justice.
On the night of Saturday, January 10, 2009, Skip was waiting outside the Depot Deli at 200 W. Florida Avenue for his shift to begin. At approximately 11:09 p.m., a young man entered the deli, took a pack of beer from a cooler, and placed it on the counter. When the clerk asked to see his identification, the man grabbed the beer and ran out of the store without paying. The employee yelled out to Skip, alerting him that the suspect had just stolen the beer. Skip intervened, grabbing the fleeing suspect by the back of his jacket. The confrontation caused the man to drop the stolen beer on the ground.
As this was happening, a second suspect who had been waiting outside confronted Skip. This second individual stabbed Skip once in the chest. Both suspects then fled the scene, leaving the beer behind. Emergency services were called, and an employee informed dispatch that a person was outside with a knife and that a coworker was injured. Officers from the Hemet Police Department arrived to find Skip on the ground, unresponsive. He was rushed by ambulance to Hemet Valley Hospital, now known as Hemet Global Medical Center, but he succumbed to his single stab wound.
The investigation into the murder of David "Skip" Ganns was immediately launched by the Hemet Police Department. Investigators learned that two younger Hispanic males were involved in the incident. Despite interviewing several witnesses to the crime who stated they believed they could identify the suspects if they saw them again, the two men responsible have never been identified. The case grew cold over the years, but authorities and the community have not forgotten the senseless act of violence that took a good man’s life over a pack of beer.
More than a decade later, the case remains an active investigation. The Hemet Police Department’s Homicide Cold Case Unit features Skip's murder on its public page, hoping to generate new leads that could finally solve the case. The unit is committed to re-examining unsolved murders using modern forensic technology and investigative techniques, including advanced DNA testing. Investigators believe that even a small, seemingly insignificant piece of information could be the missing piece needed to bring the case to a close and hold Skip's killers accountable for their actions.
The Hemet Police Department continues to appeal to the public for assistance. They emphasize that justice for Skip is still within reach and that with the community's help, his story will not be forgotten. The department has stated, "We have not forgotten Skip and know that our community has not either. He was a beloved member of our town—someone who touched the lives of many. The loss of Skip left a void in the hearts of family, friends, and neighbors, and we are committed to seeking justice in his name."
As of late 2023, the murder of David "Skip" Ganns remains unsolved. The Hemet Police Department urges anyone with any information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward. Tips can be directed to the Homicide Cold Case Unit at 951-765-3898 or via email at [email protected]. Anonymous information can also be submitted through the Hemet Police Department’s free smartphone app.
