Crime & Safety

Suspect In Murrieta Apartment Complex Stabbing Remains Jailed

Gekeith McDuffie, 37, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was being held on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

MURRIETA, CA — A suspect in a Murrieta stabbing remained behind bars early Monday afternoon, though formal charges against him were still pending.

Gekeith McDuffie, 37, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was being held at Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

According to the Murrieta Police Department, the incident unfurled when reports of a man being chased at the Waterstone Apartments located at 24850 Hancock Avenue came in approximately 10:34 p.m. on Thursday, July 2.

Officers determined there had been a fight between two men — McDuffie and a 32-year-old.

During the altercation, McDuffie pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim, according to the police department.

The incident occurred in the north driveway of the apartment complex parking lot.

The identity of the stabbing victim was not released. Prior to officers' arrival, he was transported to a local hospital "in a private vehicle," police said. "The victim remains hospitalized in serious condition."

During the investigation, McDuffie was located and arrested.

It's unclear how the two men knew each other.

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and are seeking any cellphone, surveillance, or dash camera footage that may have captured the incident or the movements of those involved before or after the stabbing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective B. Williams at 951-970-8965 or BWilliams@MurrietaCA.gov and reference Murrieta Police Department case number MR26-3127.