Two Found Dead Near Riverside County Courthouse in Apparent Stabbing

Riverside, CA – Two people were found dead near the Riverside County Courthouse in the early hours of Thursday, March 12, 2026. Police are investigating the incident as a possible stabbing, though a motive remains unknown.

Details of the Incident

The Riverside Police Department responded to a report of a person down in the area of Main and 12th streets in downtown Riverside just after 2:00 a.m. On Thursday, according to department spokesperson Detective Steven Espinosa. Paramedics with the Riverside Fire Department pronounced both individuals dead at the scene.

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Division are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. As of Thursday afternoon, no arrests have been made, and the identities of the victims have not been released to the public. The area of 12th Street near Main and Orange streets remained closed as officers continued their investigation. Investigators were observed working under blue canopies and marking areas on the sidewalk where the victims were found, as captured by KTLA News helicopter footage.

Police Response

“At this time it is unknown what occurred, and no one is in custody,” stated Detective Espinosa. The Riverside Police Department has not released further details regarding potential weapons or witnesses.

Previous Incidents in the Area

This incident follows other recent cases of violence in the region, including a triple homicide in Lakewood in January 2026 and a murder-suicide in Cerritos in December 2025. Los Angeles Times is reporting on this developing story.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.