Glendale Firefighter Faces Charges in Wife’s Death

Glendale Firefighter Charged with Murder of Wife

LOS ANGELES – Andrew Jimenez, a Glendale firefighter and paramedic, was charged on Friday with the murder of his wife, Mayra Jimenez. Authorities allege that Mayra was bludgeoned to death inside their North Hollywood residence, with police recovering an axe at the crime scene.

The charges against the 45-year-old include a sentencing enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon. During a court appearance on Friday afternoon, his arraignment was postponed to February 19, and he was ordered to remain in custody without bail.

Mayra Jimenez, 55, was discovered deceased by police on January 21. Earlier that morning, Andrew reportedly visited the LAPD’s Northeast Community Police Station to request a welfare check on his wife, stating he had been unable to reach her.

Upon arriving at their home, LAPD officers found Mayra with severe blunt force trauma and pronounced her dead at the scene. Following his arrest, Andrew allegedly confessed to the murder during questioning.

Domestic Violence Context

Authorities describe the incident as a case of domestic violence, citing the possible motive for the crime. Andrew’s attorney, Jose Romero, indicated that his client had learned of infidelity on his wife’s part "moments" before the attack. Neighbors reported hearing the couple arguing the night before the incident.

Romero noted that a diary belonging to Mayra, allegedly reviewed by Andrew shortly before the murder, corroborated the claims of infidelity. Andrew, a firefighter since April 28, 2008, has been placed on administrative leave from the Glendale Fire Department. Mayra was a teacher at Wilshire Park Elementary School in Koreatown.

Official Response

District Attorney Nathan Hochman commented on the tragic event, calling it a "devastating reminder of the persistent scourge of intimate partner violence in our communities." He emphasized that no one, regardless of their role in society, is above the law and vowed to ensure accountability. Hochman also urged anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse to contact the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline.