Woman found dead in North Hollywood home; Firefighter husband in custody

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KESQ) - An off-duty Glendale firefighter was taken into custody before sunrise today in the death of his wife, who was found bludgeoned inside their North Hollywood home.

Investigators took Andrew Jimenez into custody at about 4:25 a.m. Wednesday after determining a woman was dead inside their residence in the 5600 block of Satsuma Avenue, near Burbank Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.  

The suspect had apparently found out she was cheating on him ``moments'' before the killing, the New York Post reported.   

``Our office is currently in contact with law enforcement regarding a diary of the decedent, apparently read moments before the homicide, that verified infidelity by the decedent,'' attorney Jose Romero told The Post.   

Romero confirmed to The Post that he was retained by the family Andrew Jimenez, to represent him in the homicide case.   

Jimenez was a ``veteran of the Pacific Palisades fire,'' Romero told The Post.

The couple had been married since November 2014, according to The Post, citing pictures on social media.   

The Glendale City Manager's Office confirmed that the suspect is with the Glendale Fire Department.

"The Glendale Fire Department has been notified by the Los Angeles Police Department that an off-duty member of the department has been detained in connection with an active homicide investigation in the North Hollywood area,'' the city manager's statement read. ``LAPD is the lead investigating agency and the matter is ongoing.''   

Jimenez, who has served as a firefighter/paramedic since April 28, 2008, has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.   

''Our condolences are with the victim's family and loved ones,'' Chief Jeff Brooks said in a statement. ''We are prepared to support those impacted by this tragedy, and we are also ensuring our firefighters and staff have access to support resources as they process this loss.''

According to Fox11, which cited unnamed sources, the firefighter flagged down officers near the LAPD's Northeast Station at 3353 N. San Fernando Road in Glassell Park and asked them to check on the welfare of his wife, saying he had been unable to reach her.

When officers went to the home, they found the body of the woman, who was in her 40s and appeared to have been attacked with an axe, the station reported.

Jimenez was detained and allegedly confessed to the killing, according to the report.  

''This is an extremely serious and deeply troubling matter,'' city officials said. ''First and foremost, our hearts are with the victim's family and loved ones, and we extend our sincere condolences as they grieve this tragic loss.''

According to city officials, additional details from the fire department remain limited as LAPD detectives continue their investigation.