Suspect in Blythe double homicide released; prosecutors want more investigation

With prosecutors declining to immediately file charges, an 18-year-old man who had been arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of two people in Blythe was freed from custody.

Jose Angel Manjarrez was arrested around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, the day after the killings, on suspicion of murder and had been scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

But John Hall of the Riverside County District Attorney's Office told City News Service that prosecutors had “some questions … about the incident” and declined to immediately file any charges, instead referring the case back to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for additional investigation.

As a result, Manjarrez was released from custody Thursday. Suspects can generally only be held in custody for 48 hours unless criminal charges are filed.

Lt. Deirdre Vickers of the sheriff's department told City News Service that no other suspects were being sought as of Friday morning, and no additional agencies have been called upon to assist with the investigation.

The Blythe Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for information.

Deputies responded to the 500 block of East Avenue A at 8:12 p.m. Monday after reports of two gunshot victims in a parking lot, according to Sgt. Rafael Victorio of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Two men were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Victorio. They were identified as Blythe residents Audelio Solorio, 45, and Deveon Keyshawn Smith, 27.

On Tuesday morning, authorities found and arrested Manjarrez on suspicion of murder and he was booked into the Blythe Jail, Victorio said.

It was unclear what led investigators to Manjarrez, or what may have motivated the killings.