Man identified in Desert Hot Springs homicide investigation

Authorities have identified the man whose body was found early Thursday morning in Desert Hot Springs, launching a homicide investigation in the city.

The coroner identified the victim as 35-year-old Emanuel Jenkins of Desert Hot Springs.

His body was found at about 4:30 a.m. on the ground in the 66200 block of Pierson Boulevard, said Detective Christopher Tooth. Jenkin’s body was found lying in front of the Cottage Too restaurant; a well known eatery in the city, near the corner of Cactus and Pierson.

Authorities are still working to determine his cause of death. KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will deliver updates as soon as we hear back from the coroner’s office.

Larry Honore, a DHS resident who frequently ate at the restaurant was shocked to learn of the homicide and told News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2’s Jeremy Chen, he couldn’t believe it.

“That’s just crazy… Out of any place The Cottage,” Honore said. “That’s where people with the family is coming here…that’s where everybody Desert Hot Springs come here. I don’t get it, out of all the places The Cottage?”

The restaurant was kept from opening Thursday morning as the investigation was underway. The restaurant owner declined to comment on the death in front of his business and would only confirm his business was open again when the scene was cleared.

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Pierson Boulevard was closed between Cactus Drive and West Drive and was reopened at around 11 a.m. when investigators cleared the scene.

Police are asking for the public’s help for any information regarding the death. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Tooth at 760-329-2904 at ext. 352.

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