The Riverside Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit has continued its investigation into the murder of Giovanni Martinez, a 30-year-old Perris resident. Authorities identified Raul Varela, a 51-year-old from Turlock, California, as the suspect in the case.
On August 9, 2025, at around 7:00 p.m., with support from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Gang Impact Team and the Riverside Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau, Varela was located near Woodward Street and Elizabeth Street in Mead Valley, an unincorporated area of Perris. He was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on a murder charge.
“Anyone with additional information about this investigation is encouraged to contact Master Investigator D. Robertson with the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-1777 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099.”
The initial incident occurred on August 7, when deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon at Woodward Street and Elizabeth Street. Upon arrival, they found an adult male suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit was notified and assumed the investigation. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin. The suspect(s) are unknown at this time.”
“This investigation is ongoing, and additional follow-up is being conducted. Currently, no further details are available for release. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Robertson with the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-1777 or Investigator C. Pierson with the Perris Station at (951) 210-1000.”
“For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.”
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