Southern California firefighter accused of bludgeoning wife to death

Teacher allegedly killed by firefighter husband

A Los Angeles-based teacher was allegedly murdered by her husband, who is a firefighter with the Glendale (California) Fire Department.

Are you or someone you know a recent survivor of domestic violence? Help is available. Los Angeles County has a hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-978-3600. A national hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233.

LOS ANGELES – An investigation was launched Wednesday after a woman was found dead at her San Fernando Valley home. 

Andrew Jimenez, a firefighter with the Glendale Fire Department, has since been detained over the death of his wife, Mayra.

Mayra Jimenez

What we know:

Sources told FOX 11's Gigi Graciette it all started several miles away at the Los Angeles Police Department's Northeast Station in Glassell Park, where Andrew Jimenez flagged down passing officers and asked them to do a welfare check, claiming he was unable to reach his wife. 

LAPD officers then conducted a welfare check at the couple's home located in the 5600 block of Satsuma Avenue in North Hollywood, located near the intersection of Riverton Avenue and Burbank Boulevard, where they made a bloody and gruesome discovery. 

Firefighter arrested in wife's death in North Hollywood

Officials have identified Mayra Jimenez as the woman found dead in North Hollywood. Her husband, a firefighter, got arrested for his wife's death after authorities found an axe at the murder scene.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Mayra Jimenez, who was not breathing and with injuries consistent with what appeared to be blunt force trauma. She was pronounced dead at the scene by LA City paramedics. 

Investigators believe she may have been bludgeoned to death and found an axe at the scene. Around 4:25 a.m., Andrew Jimenez was taken in for questioning when he allegedly confessed to the crime. He was later arrested.

Andrew Jimenez

Glendale FD releases a statement

What they're saying:

The City of Glendale released two statements on Wednesday. The first statement, released by the Glendale Police Department, confirmed LAPD is investigating the incident.

"The Glendale Fire Department was notified by the Los Angeles Police Department that an off-duty member of the department has been detained in connection with an active homicide investigation in the North Hollywood area. LAPD is the lead investigating agency, and the matter is ongoing."

Later in the evening, the City of Glendale released an updated statement saying Jimenez has been placed off duty and has been placed on administrative leave:

"The City of Glendale is aware of an active homicide investigation being conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department involving a member of the Glendale Fire Department.

This is an extremely serious and deeply troubling matter. First and foremost, our hearts are with the victim’s family and loved ones, and we extend our sincere condolences as they grieve this tragic loss. 

The Los Angeles Police Department is the lead agency in this investigation, and the Glendale Fire Department is cooperating fully. Due to the active and ongoing nature of the investigation, the City of Glendale and the Glendale Fire Department are unable to provide additional comments at this time.

The individual has been identified as Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Jimenez, who has served with the Glendale Fire Department since April 28, 2008. He has been placed off duty and on administrative leave effective immediately.

'Our condolences are with the victim’s family and loved ones,' said Fire Chief Jeff Brooks. 'We are prepared to support those impacted by this tragedy, and we are also ensuring our firefighters and staff have access to support resources as they process this loss.'"

Possible case of domestic abuse 

Dig deeper:

Officials said they're seeing a disturbing uptick in domestic violence incidents and, at this stage of the investigation, they believe this is another tragic case. 

Neighbors say the couple had an argument the night before. 

Andrew's attorney described their relationship as loving, but alluded in an earlier statement that his office is talking with detectives about a diary from Mayra, apparently read moments before the homicide, that mentioned infidelity. 

Local perspective:

Mayra is a third-grade teacher at Wilshire Park Elementary. 

The school released the following message, "We are heartbroken by this loss, and many of us are still processing this information, as we only just learned of it. Mrs. Jimenez was a beloved teacher, colleague, and friend, and she made a lasting impact on our school community and the students she served. Our thoughts are with Mrs. Jimenez's family, loved ones and all who are grieving during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that the community respect the privacy of Mrs. Jimenez's family during this difficult time."

Crisis counseling support is available for students and staff.