Man Stabbed Outside Murrieta Home, Suspect Remains At Large

MURRIETA, CA — Police were called to a Murieta Country Walk neighborhood home Monday night on reports of a stabbing, according to Capt. Jeremy Durant. The victim, an unhoused man, was not known to the good Samaritans who called for aid. The stabbing, the third such incident in Murrieta since October, prompted a wide-scale police search through the area.

Little is known about the suspect, who remains unidentified and is still being sought across the city, according to police.

Just after 7:45 p.m., a man approached a home on Old Carriage Road with a visible wound to his shoulder. "The 911 caller said a homeless man came to his door and said he'd been stabbed," Durant said. The residents did not know the victim; however, they called in immediate aid for the man who'd been stabbed in the shoulder.

Officers arrived, arranged medical aid, and began a coordinated neighborhood search.

The as-of-yet unidentified suspect was described as a 20 to 30-year-old Hispanic man. The suspect fled in an unspecified direction, accordingto Durant. No further information on the suspect was known.

"The 44-year-old victim was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment, where he remains in stable condition," Durant said.

Road closures and police activity followed in a broad section of Whitewood Road between Rockcrest Drive and Dove Hollow Lane, an area that was searched again on Tuesday and where more evidence was found.

The investigation is still ongoing, and detectives are actively pursuing multiple leads in an attempt ot determine additional facts related to this case, Durant told Patch.

"The Murrieta Police Department takes incidents of violence seriously and understands the concern events like this may cause within our community," he said. "Based on the information available at this time, investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public, and this incident appears to be isolated.

"Residents are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to police," he said.

"If someone unknown comes to your door requesting assistance, residents are advised to use caution, keep doors secured, and contact 911 to request help rather than opening the door," Durant advised.

Murrieta police officers are actively investigating this incident and will continue to maintain a strong presence in our neighborhoods to help ensure community safety.

Murrieta police scoured the area Monday night for more than two hours near the Country Walk neighborhood, searching for the suspect between 8 and 10 p.m.

They returned to the area in the light of day on Tuesday, looking for more evidence. Meanwhile, residents thanked police for their efforts and took to social media to remind one another to lock their doors.

Police did not indicate any danger during the incident, merely reminding residents to avoid the area and respect the road closures during the police activity.

Residents took note that Monday night's police activity was centered just blocks away from a home where a fatal stabbing in the city occurred in early November, many residents proclaimed.

"The rumor mill has begun, and there’s a vid from TikTok saying 'an e-bike was stolen and someone was stabbed,' "one resident said, asking, "Ok, is this isolated or what?"

Others claimed the police helicopter flew so low it was "making their windows shake!"

In November, following the fatal stabbing, Murrieta officials released a statement regarding public safety. Another stabbing incident took place on Halloween night, both prompting a large amount of police activity.

"Our community has always taken pride in being a safe and welcoming place, and we want to keep it that way. Incidents like this remind us that even in a city with strong policing and engaged residents, safety is a shared responsibility.

"There are a few simple steps everyone can take that make a meaningful difference:

"First, secure your home. Something as traditional as locking your doors and windows, both at night and during the day, remains one of the most effective ways to deter crime.

"Second, keep an eye on your neighborhood. Our community has always done this well. If you see something that looks out of place, say something.

"Third, take a moment to look after your personal property. Remove valuables from vehicles, close garage doors securely, and make use of lighting or cameras where you can.

"Fourth, stay informed. Our goal as a department is to be transparent and timely. Follow our official channels so you have accurate information when something happens.

"And finally, remember that you’re not alone in this. We take our duty to protect this community seriously, and we’re committed to being present, engaged, and proactive. When residents and officers work together, we strengthen the sense of security that defines Murrieta. Together, we can continue ensuring this city remains one of the safest places to live and raise a family. "

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