NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — In a case that has stunned the Los Angeles community, an off-duty Glendale firefighter has been arrested in connection with the violent death of his wife, identified by family as Mayra Jimenez, a dedicated elementary school teacher and union representative.
Andrew Jimenez, a firefighter paramedic with the Glendale Fire Department, walked into the Northeast Community Police Station around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, and requested a welfare check on his wife, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Officers responded to the couple’s home on the 5600 block of Satsuma Avenue, where they discovered a woman in her late 40s or 50s deceased from severe blunt-force injuries. Police later stated the weapon was an axe.
The victim, Mayra Jimenez, was a devoted educator and a representative with United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), remembered by colleagues as a compassionate and dedicated professional who deeply cared for her students.
A union member who attended the couple’s 2014 wedding told reporters he had never observed signs of trouble in their relationship. Neighbor Camilla Cabrera echoed the sentiment, saying she was “completely surprised” and had never witnessed any indication of domestic violence.
“To see something this violent is shocking,” Cabrera said. “He’s supposed to keep people safe. It’s hard to understand.”
LAPD Robbery-Homicide Lt. Guy Golan stated that Andrew Jimenez, who remains in custody, appears to be responsible for the killing. Investigators removed multiple boxes of evidence from the home, including two large rifles.
While a motive has not been officially released, Jimenez’s attorney issued a statement claiming investigators are reviewing a diary belonging to the victim that allegedly referenced infidelity and was read shortly before the killing.
In a somber statement, the Glendale Fire Department acknowledged the active investigation, calling it “an extremely serious and deeply disturbing matter.” The department expressed its condolences to the victim’s family and confirmed full cooperation with law enforcement.
Andrew Jimenez, a firefighter since 2008 who was recently promoted and assisted in battling the Palisades Fire, has been placed on administrative leave. He has not yet been formally charged. Family members of Mayra Jimenez were visibly distraught at the scene, mourning the loss of a beloved teacher and community member.