LOS ANGELES, CA – A judge ordered Glendale Fire Department firefighter-paramedic Andrew Jimenez to stand trial on a murder charge in the death of his wife, a Los Angeles elementary school teacher, after investigators testified about her injuries at a preliminary hearing Wednesday.
The hearing took place Oct. 21 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center, where Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa McGonigle found sufficient cause to send the case to trial. The woman was found dead Jan. 21 at the couple’s home in the 5600 block of Satsuma Avenue in North Hollywood.
Jimenez is charged with one count of murder with an allegation of using an axe as a deadly weapon. He remains held without bail and is due back in court Nov. 4.
An arrest is not a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to the criminal court process.
Investigators describe the injuries
Investigators testified that the woman had about 32 chop wounds, including 25 to the head, face and neck. Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Northeast Division homicide unit described a bedroom with blood throughout.
The detectives testified that they could not identify her visually and used fingerprints. They also testified that an ax was found in the bedroom.
The testimony was given in a preliminary hearing, where prosecutors present enough evidence for a judge to decide whether a case should go to trial. It is not a finding of guilt.
Welfare check request at a police station
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a man walked into the Northeast Community Police Station at about 4 a.m. on Jan. 21 and asked for a welfare check on his wife at their residence, as described in an LAPD news release on the case. Officers went to the home on Satsuma Avenue and found the woman dead.
LAPD Lt. Guy Golan told reporters at the scene that investigators believed it was a domestic violence incident. “We believe this was an incident of domestic violence; it was isolated and there is no threat to public safety at this time,” he said.
Charge carries 26 years to life
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed the murder charge and announced it in a news release dated Jan. 26. The office said Jimenez faces 26 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in the release, “No one, including those sworn to protect others, is above the law, and we will hold the defendant accountable for this horrific crime and bring justice to Ms. Jimenez and her loved ones.”
Deputy District Attorneys Chelsea Blatt and Kelsey McKeever-Unger are prosecuting the case. The LAPD investigated.
Prosecutors describe an alleged motive
Prosecutors argued at the hearing that Jimenez expressed a motive before the killing. They said he told his brother-in-law at a hockey game that his wife was cheating and showed him screenshots. In the prosecution’s words, “the motive was expressed for the murder before the murder.”
Testimony also covered a text message Jimenez sent the day after the death, calling the situation “a big misunderstanding.” Police testified they could not locate his phone.
Those statements are allegations and testimony presented by the prosecution, and they have not been tested at trial.
Defense asked for dismissal
The defense asked the judge to dismiss the case, arguing there was insufficient evidence. McGonigle denied the request and ordered Jimenez to stand trial on the murder charge.
City of Glendale placed firefighter on leave
The City of Glendale said in a statement on Jan. 21 that it was aware of an active LAPD homicide investigation involving Jimenez, who has served in the Glendale Fire Department since April 28, 2008. The city said he was placed off duty and on administrative leave, effective immediately.
Fire Chief Jeff Brooks offered condolences to the victim’s family and said support resources were available to firefighters and staff.
After charges were filed, Brooks said in a statement dated Jan. 23 that the city’s hearts were with the woman’s family and loved ones. The city and fire department said they would continue to cooperate fully throughout the investigative and legal process.
The Los Angeles Unified School District described the victim as “a beloved teacher, colleague and friend” and asked for respect for the family’s privacy.
Citywide homicide figures
The city’s 2025 crime data report says homicides in Los Angeles fell 19 percent in 2025 from 2024 and were the lowest since 1966. The report puts the city’s homicide rate at 5.9 per 100,000 people, the lowest since 1959. The report’s citywide figures do not break out domestic violence homicides.
Jimenez due back in court Nov. 4
The district attorney’s release lists the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-978-3600. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
Jimenez remains in custody without bail while the case moves toward trial. He is scheduled to return to court Nov. 4.
