A California firefighter is now in custody after being accused of fatally attacking his wife with an axe, allegedly prompted by revelations of infidelity he discovered in her diary.
Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department reported that Andrew Jimenez, a 45-year-old firefighter from Glendale, approached officers at the Glassell Park station early Wednesday morning. He expressed concern over his inability to contact his wife and requested a welfare check at their home.
Upon arriving at the residence, officers discovered 55-year-old Mayra Jimenez suffering from severe injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. Emergency medical personnel declared her dead at the scene, and investigators believe she was struck with an axe found nearby.
KTTV sources described the scene as “horrific.”
Andrew Jimenez was detained for questioning around 4:30 a.m., during which he reportedly admitted to the violent assault.
In response to the arrest, the city of Glendale issued a statement indicating that Jimenez had been placed on administrative leave.
“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.”
The city said Jimenez had been with the department since April 2008.
According to KTLA, Mayra Jimenez was a “caring educator” and a union representative with United Teachers Los Angeles. The couple had been married since 2014.
Jimenez’s attorney blamed the victim for her own murder, telling the station in a statement that Andrew Jimenez had read his wife’s diary, which he claimed “verified infidelity by the decedent,” just “moments” before beating her to death.
Jimenez has been charged with murder and is being held on a $2 million bond.
