“SUSPECT QUICKLY ARRESTED IN SHOOTING HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
RIVERSIDE, CA – On Sunday, March 31, 2024 at approximately 12:02 p.m., Riverside Police Officers responded to reports of a shooting that just occurred at a home in the 7600 block of Canberra Way, located in the Mission Grove neighborhood of Riverside. Upon their arrival, the suspect was pointed out to officers and he was quickly detained. Officers went inside the house and found a male victim suffering gunshot wounds. They attempted life-saving measures until relieved by Firefighter-Paramedics with the Riverside Fire Department, but the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. An adult female victim with gunshot wounds was found across the street. She was treated by paramedics then transported to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition.
Detectives with the Robbery – Homicide Unit, along with Specialists from the Forensics Unit, responded and assumed the investigation. They are being assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. The deceased victim has been identified as 75-year-old Robert Joe Mageno of Riverside.
The preliminary investigation determined the suspect and Mr. Mageno live together with other roommates at this residence. The suspect’s girlfriend was visiting when an argument ensued between them. The suspect retrieved a firearm and shot the girlfriend. When she fled the room, Mr. Mageno appeared from his room and the suspect shot him as well. The girlfriend was able to flee across the street after the shooting, and officers did locate a handgun inside the home that is believed to have been used in this shooting.
27-year-old Christopher Jacob Lennox was arrested and later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for murder, attempted murder, domestic violence, and weapons violations. He is being held in custody on one million dollars’ bail.
This investigation is still ongoing and there are no other details to release at this time. Anyone with additional information should contact Detective Richard Glover at (951) 353-7134 or RGlover@RiversideCA.gov, or Detective Anthony Watkins at (951) 353-7105 or AWatkins@RiversideCA.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can email RPDTips@RiversideCA.gov, or download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature. ”
