On the evening of July 8, 2024, at approximately 8:12 p.m., Blythe Police Department officers, with assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, responded to reports of gunfire in the 500 block of East Avenue A in Blythe, California. Upon arrival, they discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds in a parking lot. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims were identified as 45-year-old Audelio Solorio and his nephew, 27-year-old Deveon Keyshawn Smith, both residents of Blythe.
The investigation led authorities to a secondary crime scene on the 900 block of East Avenue B, believed to be connected to the shootings. An 18-year-old suspect, identified as Jose Angel Manjarrez of Blythe, was arrested on suspicion of murder and initially booked into the Blythe Jail.
However, in the days following his arrest, Manjarrez was released without charges. The Riverside County District Attorney's Office stated that the case was referred back to the Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit for further investigation, citing unresolved questions about the incident. This development has caused frustration and anger among the victims' families, who are seeking justice for their loved ones. Claudia Ramirez, Smith's mother and Solorio's sister, expressed her outrage, emphasizing the need for accountability.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The community continues to mourn the loss of Solorio and Smith, both remembered as devoted family men. Smith leaves behind three children: 8-year-old Deveon Keyshawn Smith Jr., 5-year-old Aiyanna, and 6-month-old Damir. Solorio is survived by four children: 20-year-old Alicia, 19-year-old Jennifer, 18-year-old Gabriel, and 9-month-old Genesis.
