Teen Found Dead Near North Shore, Homicide Investigation Underway

MECCA, CA — A homicide investigation was underway Wednesday after a body — believed connected to an assault in Mecca — was found in North Shore, authorities said.

Deputies from the Thermal Sheriff's Station responded at 12:05 a.m. Monday to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 71000 block of Miramar Drive in Mecca, according to Sgt. Jarred Bishop of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

As deputies investigated in the area, evidence of a shooting was found in the 99000 block of Via Costa Brava, but no victim or suspect were located.

"As the investigation continued, information was developed that led investigators to locate a deceased male in the area of Sea View Way and 72nd Avenue (in North Shore)," Bishop said in a statement. "This deceased male is believed to be connected to the original assault with a deadly weapon call."

The victim was identified as 17-year-old Francisco Ramirez of Mecca.

The Riverside Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit subsequently responded to the scene and assumed the investigation, according to Bishop. No additional information was immediately available.

Anyone with more information on the case was asked to call Master Investigator R. Deanne of the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.