2 dead after stabbing attack in downtown Riverside, authorities say

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A man and a woman were found dead Thursday morning after a stabbing attack in downtown Riverside, authorities said.

Officers responded just after 2 a.m. to a report of a "person down" near Main and 12th streets, where they discovered two wounded people, the Riverside Police Department said in a statement.

Paramedics were summoned and pronounced both people dead at the scene from apparent stab wounds. The victims were not immediately identified.

One body was found on a sidewalk along the jurors' parking lot for the courthouse. The second was located around the corner, also on a sidewalk.

People familiar with the area said the victims were homeless and often slept nearby, though police have not confirmed that.

Detective Steven Espinoza with the Riverside Police Department said the victims' relationship to each other is unknown.

Espinoza also did not say whether officers recovered a weapon.

"There was mention of a stabbing in the initial call, but it's undetermined at this time if it truly was a stabbing or not," he said.

A man who works nearby and asked not to be identified said one of the victims was well known in the area.

"I just know that he sleeps outside of the jury parking and everybody loves him," he said. "He's been out there for years, and we give him blankets and food, and he was always a happy guy."

It was unclear what prompted the attack, and no one is in custody in connection with the stabbing. No description of a possible suspect was available.

"My understanding is that they are looking for a suspect at this time, so based off what the initial investigation has determined, they are seeking footage and description of a suspect," Espinoza said.

Orange Street was shut down between 10th and 12th streets for several hours amid an investigation.

Espinoza urged anyone with information to contact investigators.

"What we seek from the public is if anyone heard anything, saw anything, please reach out," he said.

A homicide investigation is ongoing.

City News Service contributed to this report.