Central Homicide Unit (CHU)
 The Central Homicide Unit (CHU) conducts thorough and objective investigations of all deaths and officer-involved shootings that occur in unincorporated Riverside County. These investigations may also be conducted in many municipalities within the County that lack the resources to perform their own inquiries.
The Unit utilizes four squads of five investigators, each headed by a sergeant and working as a team, to address the many critical aspects of a death investigation. As a result of this approach, information is quickly developed and categorized, enabling the identification of potential subjects, witnesses, evidence and investigative leads.
During incidents in which the Central Homicide Unit responds, a Primary Detective, Secondary Detective and a Crime Scene Manager are assigned to work the case.
- The Primary Detective is the lead detective who manages the investigation, conducting interviews and delegating tasks necessary to complete the investigation.
- The Secondary Detective is the Primary’s support mechanism, assisting with interviews and/or other responsibilities relevant to the case.
- In conjunction with the Forensic Evidence Technician, the detective assigned as the Crime Scene Manager assists in recognizing and collecting evidence at the scene, attending autopsies and documenting the description of the crime scene in a report format.
Cold Case Team
 The Central Homicide Unit has a specialized team; the Cold Case Team, that handles ongoing probes into unsolved murders which may have occurred as long as 70 years ago.
In July 2007 the Riverside Sheriff’s Department formed the Cold Case Team which is comprised of four investigators and a sergeant. Today, the Cold Case Team reviews cases based on numerous different factors and explores how new technology and resources, (i.e. DNA, fingerprint and informational databases etc.), might impact a renewed investigation. If the inquiry identifies new suspects, or strengthens the case against known subjects the case is reopened.
The Cold Case Team has also aided other departmental teams with high-profile cases on an as-needed basis, and, upon request, lends its expertise to other law enforcement agencies.
Recent Cold Case Solves
- Cold Case Homicide from May, 1990 Solved
On May 5, 1990, a jogger discovered two bodies along a dirt power line access road west of Canal St. and Alta St. in Rubidoux, California. The victims were identified as Stacey Siegrist (19 years old) and Anthony Gianuzzi (21 years old).
 About the Homicide Tip Line
If you have information that would bring murderers to justice but don't wish to come forward, please use our online Homicide Tip Line. This form allows you to send information anonymously to the Riverside County Sheriff Central Homicide Unit
Give victims of homicide a final voice by providing information to bring their murderers to justice. Any information you provide may be the piece of the puzzle needed to solve the case.
Crime Analysis Support
Crime analysts supporting the Central Homicide Unit provide investigative support for all homicide investigations, officer-involved shootings (OIS), all suspicious death investigations, child death, arson, and suicides including officer suicides.
One of the primary responsibilities of the analyst is to research the background, criminal and personal, of the victims, suspects and other associated persons. This requires extensive queries through various Law Enforcement and Open Source Intelligence databases. The analysts also respond to support CHU investigators in the field; either responding to the station or via the CART van. |
