Man arrested for deadly Perris shooting in 2019

Authorities have announced an arrest in connection with a shooting that left one person dead and two others wounded in Perris back in 2019. 

At that time, deputies with the Perris Sheriff's Station were dispatched to the 200 block of E. 7th Street after learning of a shooting in the area, according to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. 

Upon arrival, they found three people suffering from gunshot wounds. One of those victims, 22-year-old Santiago Diaz, was declared dead at the scene, deputies said. 

The two other victims were taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Despite immediately beginning their investigation to find a suspect, detectives were unable to move the case forward until late 2024, when Central Homicide Unit investigators began a review. 

"This review identified new evidence, and the investigation was re-opened," the release said. "Investigators identified Jeremy Whittle, a 26-year-old resident of Perris, as one of the suspects in this murder."

He was arrested on Friday for "his involvement in this murder," deputies said. He was booked and remains behind bars. 

No further information was provided. 

Anyone who knows more is asked to contact detectives at (951) 955-2777.