Four Marines arrested for French Valley murders

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Courtesy photo.

Jan Pawek Pietrzak, 24 and his wife, Quiana Faye Jenkins-Pietrzak, 26 were found murdered in their French Valley home. Four Marines have been arrested in the slayings.

Andrew Foulk photo.

The coroner's van backs into the driveway of the house that two dead bodies were discovered at Wednesday morning on Bermuda Court in French Valley.

Andrew Foulk photo.

Photo by Andrew Foulk/ Sheriff investigators as well as Temecula Police stand behind Police tape on Bermuda Court in in the Kona Road development of French Valley Wednesday afternoon. The entire street was blocked off for investigation of two people who were found dead at a house on the street this morning by law enforcement.

Andrew Foulk photo.

Photo By Andrew Foulk/ Crime scene investigators search the drive of a house on Bermuda Court in the Kona Road development of French Valley for clues Wednesday afternoon. The entire street was blocked off for investigation of two people who were found dead at a house on the street this morning by law enforcement.

Andrew Foulk photo.

Photo by Andrew Foulk An unidentified resident of the Kona Road development in French Valley looks past the police tape that flanks both ends of Bermuda Court Wednesdays evening . One of the houses on the street was the scene of a double homicide and investigators had the street shut down all day Wednesday to conduct investigations.

Andrew Foulk photo.

Photo by Andrew Foulk Crime scene tape blocked entrance on all sides to Bermuda Court in the Kona Road development in French Valley on Wednesday after police working on a tip found two dead body's.

Rocky Salmon

Special to the Valley News

Tuesday, November 4^th, 2008.
Issue 45, Volume 12.

Story Last Updated : Sep 10th.

Updated Nov. 4

Four Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton were arrested on suspicion of murdering a fellow Marine and his wife at their French Valley.

Jan Pawek Pietrzak and his wife, Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak, were bound, gagged, then killed by the four men on Oct. 15 for financial reasons, authorities said in a press release Monday evening. Two of the men served in the same unit as Jan Pietrzak.

Three of the men – Pvt. Emerys John, 18, from Maryland; Lance Cpl. Tyrone Miller, 20, of North Carolina; and Pvt. Kevin Darnell Cox, 21, of North Carolina – were arrested by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and are in the brig at Camp Pendleton. A fourth man, Pvt. Kesaun Sykes, 21, was booked into the Southwest Detention Center on two charges of first degree murder, home invasion robbery, felony use of a firearm and sexual penetration with a foreign object.

The Pietrzaks were found dead inside their home on Oct. 15.

When Jan Pietrzak did not show up for work at Camp Pendleton his employer at the base alerted the sheriff’s office.

Deputies pulled up to the home along Bermuda Street in a tract home in French Valley and noticed the front door wide open. Deputies found the couple shot to death inside the home and signs that the suspects had tried to burn the evidence.

Authorities said the couple had been bound and gagged and that it appears the suspects ransacked the home.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Central Homicide Unit took over the investigation and witnesses told investigators the couple was last seen alive in the early evening hours on Oct. 14. The Pietrzak’s bought the foreclosed home about four months before their death.

Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak was a health assistant at Riverside County Public Health’s Black Infant Care Center in Perris. She helped expectant African-American mothers give birth to healthier babies.

Jan Pietrzak, born in Poland, was a helicopter airframe mechanic with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, according to a news release.

The sergeant joined the Marines in March 2003 and was deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2005 to February 2006. He was currently stationed at Camp Pendleton.

Investigators found evidence at the crime scene that was sent to crime labs for DNA and fingerprint testing.

Investigators talked to co-workers, family and friends and could not come up with a possible motive. Because of the evidence at the crime scene, investigators believed they were looking for more than one suspect and started to look at Jan Pietrzak’s connection to Camp Pendleton.

Investigators worked with the NCIS to find any motives in the murder. The two agencies began serving search warrants across Camp Pendleton and they collected a number of items tying the suspects to the murders, the press release states.

In individual interrogations, the four men arrested confessed to their involvement in the murders, authorities said in a press release.

Previous Story

The house along Bermuda Street is now quiet.

Gone is the yellow police tape wavering in the mild Santa Ana winds. The blinking sirens on fire engines and police cars have been replaced by the occasional unmarked police car. And the fear that crept over the newly developed tract homes has slowly dissipated.

On Oct. 15, deputies found the homeowners – Jan Pawek Pietrzak, 24, and his wife, Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak, 26 – dead from gunshot wounds to their heads. For the next two days, residents lived in fear as investigators released little information from the crime scene.

Some homeowners stayed up all night with an eye to the street; others refused to let their children go to the neighborhood park.

Three days after the double homicide, investigators publicly eased fears when they released a few details of the murder, including the names and cause of death. Questions still abound as investigators work to determine who committed the double homicide and why.

Bermuda Street

The street where the Pietrzaks lived is a carbon copy image of most southwest Riverside County communities. The homes were built three to four years ago during the apex of the housing market.

The tract home is near heavily traveled Winchester Road and row after row of two- and one-story buildings. Some of the homes sold for as much as $600,000 and the community park became a gathering point for neighborhood kids and friendly families.

Then the housing crisis hit and the neighborhood was not immune.

The home on Bermuda went into foreclosure and the Pietrzaks bought the five-bedroom, three-bathroom, 3,171-square-foot home in May for $287,000, according to realty Web sites.

Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak was a health assistant at Riverside County Public Health’s Black Infant Care Center in Perris. She helped expectant African-American mothers give birth to healthier babies.

Jan Pietrzak, born in Brooklyn, was a helicopter airframe mechanic with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, according to a news release.

The sergeant joined the Marines in March 2003 and was deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2005 to February 2006.

Unrelated to recent crimes

Neighbors said the area has seen property crime rise since the foreclosures started popping up.

Lately, neighbors have started up their own Neighborhood Watch program after a string of car break-ins and home burglaries.

Doreen Caouette, 42, had her laptop stolen from her home and a big-screen TV stolen from her husband’s van parked in front of the home.

On New Year’s Eve she said police were going house to house looking for someone who stabbed another in a nearby house because of an argument.

An employer calls

When Quiana Jenkins-Pietrzak didn’t show up for work on Oct. 15, authorities were asked to drop by the home and check in on her.

Deputies arrived shortly after 9 a.m. and found the door to the home wide open.

When deputies approached they found the Pietrzaks dead immediately inside the home with gunshot wounds to their heads.

Cal Fire Arson investigators were called out after deputies found evidence that the suspect(s) tried to cover up evidence by lighting a fire, according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department press release.

Investigators collected evidence and have sent it for fingerprints and DNA analysis.

Rumors abound

The streets in the neighborhood were shut down and, with police cars and fire engines lining the blocks, residents were left in the dark.

On the day of the murder, authorities said the deaths weren’t caused by a murder-suicide but had no more information to give.

Residents gathered on street corners, surfed news Web sites for updates and called neighbors who were away at work.

Neighbors didn’t know the Pietrzaks other than polite talk along the street. But the murder put residents on edge that continued another two days before more information came out that the murder was not random.

"It’s supposed to be a nice neighborhood," Caouette said, her voice trailing off. "This Advertisement

Primus Golf Academy is it. I used to let my 15-year-old take my 7-year-old twins to the park. No more. Definitely no more."

She said the police haven’t told them anything other than what was in the newspapers.

"We are all scared," she said. "I had my kids lock all their doors. No one knows what is going on. My daughter is freaked out."

Jessica Guzman, 28, moved to the area from San Diego because she wanted a safer place for her child to live. When she saw the crime tape she was shocked and scared.

"I didn’t sleep at all last night," said Guzman the day after the murder as she watched her 3-year-old play at a park near the street. She clutched a tall Starbucks cup in one hand, her eyes red as if she had spent hours crying.

"Is there a murderer running loose?" she asked. "Did someone break in? Did the killer know these people? It’s too much for me."

The victims

Late Thursday night, Oct. 16, homicide investigators finally put residents at ease when they announced more details, including that the Pietrzaks were shot and that it did not appear to be a random crime.

Investigators are speculating that the couple may have known the person(s) who shot them.

Guzman said she can sleep at night but now feels pain for the family.

"We were so scared about our own safety we didn’t take time to think about the [Pietrzaks]," Guzman said earlier this week. "My God, they were my age. They were starting a life and this happens."

Newspaper Web sites have been flooded with posts from people who knew the couple and had been to their wedding in recent months. The comments say the two were in love and just beginning life.

Jan Pietrzak’s MySpace page has not been updated in a year but he has pictures with Quiana in which both are constantly smiling.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Inv. Josh Button at Sheriff’s Central Homicide at (760) 393-3500 or Inv. Jesse Martinez at the Southwest Station at (951) 696-3000.

A funeral service for the Pietrzaks will take place Friday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. at Imani Temple Christian Fellowship at 34590 Calle Arnaz in Temecula. Burial will follow at Riverside National Cemetery.

Previous Updates on this story:

Update Friday Oct. 17 at 9 a.m.

The victims have been identified as Jan Pawek Pietrzak, 24 and his wife, Quiana Faye Jenkins-Pietrzak, 26 by authorities. Investigators have not made any arrests or named any suspects.

Arson investigators had been called to the scene sources said because it appeared there had been an attempt to burn evidence.

Police believe the victims were not randomly targeted.

Jan Pawek Pietrzak was a U.S. Marine and his wife worked for the Riverside County Department of Health.

Update Thursday Oct. 16, 3:30 p.m.

Rocky Salmon

The police tape and crowds along Bermuda Street were all gone Thursday morning but the murder scene was still etched in the minds of those who live nearby.

On 9:21 a.m. Wednesday, police found a man and woman dead inside the two-story home on the new tract housing in this community.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s department has called it a homicide and has all but ruled out a murder-suicide. Those who live nearby are shocked and scared that this happened in their neighborhood.

"I didn’t sleep at all last night," said Jessica Guzman, 28, as she watched her 3-year-old play at a park near the street while clutching a tall Starbucks cup in the other hand, her eyes red as if she spent hours crying. "Is there a murderer running loose? Did someone break in? Did the killer know these people? It’s too much for me."

Authorities were asked to check on the home in the 31300 block of Bermuda Street by one of the victim’s employers. The sheriff’s department won’t say who the employer is or which victim the employer was concerned about.

When deputies arrived they found an open door to the two-story home. Deputies found the man and woman dead inside the home.

The streets near the home were shut down

There were clear signs of a homicide but would not elaborate, said Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela, spokesperson for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators have evidence that "strongly rules out" a murder-suicide, she added.

Authorities have not released the names or relationship of the two victims. But neighbors around the home said the two lived together and they believed the man was a Marine, who recently came home from Iraq.

On Thursday afternoon, the street was quiet except for the occasional news vans rolling by and the unmarked car stationed nearby.

The home was listed on realty web sites as being sold in May. The community was built in the past five years and is near the border of Murrieta and French Valley. The homes are near Winchester Road and once sold for as much as $600,000.

Lately, neighbors have started up their own Neighborhood Watch program after a string of car break-ins and home burglaries.

Doreen Caouette, 42, had her laptop stolen from her home and a big screen TV stolen from her husband’s van parked in front of the home. On New Year ’s Eve she said police were going house to house looking for someone who stabbed another in a nearby house because of an argument.

"It’s supposed to be a nice neighborhood," Caouette said, her voice trailing off. "This is it. I used to let my 15-year-old take my 7-year-old twins to the park. No more. Definitely no more."

She said the couple were quiet and kept to themselves. She said the police haven’t told them anything other than what was in the newspapers.

"We are all scared," she said. "I had my kids lock all their doors. No one knows what is going on. My daughter is freaked out."

Guzman said she visits the park almost everyday but almost didn’t show up today.

"What’s happening to this place," she said. "I moved here because it was safe for my kids. How safe is this? I’m afraid to leave me home because I don’t know if my TV will be there when I get home or if someone is hiding in the bushes."

Wednesday 2 p.m.

A man and a woman were found dead inside a French Valley home Wednesday morning.

Sheriff deputies were called out to the 31300 block of Bermuda Street at 9:21 a.m. An employer for one of the victims called after the worker didn’t show.

Deputies arrived and found an open door and the two people inside, said Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela, spokesperson for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The area was immediately roped off and neighborhood shut down.

The relationship between the man and woman and their identities have not been released.

Authorities are investigating trying to determine how the two people were killed.

75 comments for "Four Marines arrested for French Valley murders"

1. Nicole Monte says :

The wife of this couple was the cousin of my daughter's very best friend and we are just heartbroken for her family. My daughter's friend was just talking about how they all wore Converse tennies to the couple's Wedding only a few weeks ago. Just thinking of total happiness, and now all gone in a flash.

2. Angie says :

I miss them both already and I am very sad. I can't imagine a life without them because they fill so many of my good memories =(

3. concerned says :

this happened right down the street from my house, this is scary i feel bad for the family and friends of this couple but why did it happen?? we aren't getting any answers..

4. To concerned says :

"We aren't getting any answers..."
You need to turn on your TV and watch CSI if you want "answers" 24 hours after something happens.
What sort of answers do you want? The whole crime solved and then rice krispy treats before you go to bed? Give the police a break. Let them figure out what they need to and then you will hear. Oh wait, it was Miss Scarlett in the atrium with the candlestick.

5. Roksana & Blaze says :

Nicole, we were there at the wedding! It was the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to and they were so happy!!! This is a tragedy for all and we will miss them so much. First, I was thinking life is so cruel to let such a wonderful couple face this fate... but now I'm thinking it is not life, it's PEOPLE who did this that are cruel and heartless... R.I.P.

6. Nicole C. says :

I cant believe this happened to such good people. I have so many good memories in san diego with the both of them. Im in shock, this is just not fair!

7. Editor-Shannon says :

To contact us please email editor@myvalleynews.com with information.

8. Agata & Pawel (Family Members, Poland) says :

We are all in a big shock - why such wonderful and friendly young people were murdered?

Both will stay in our hearts forever!

9. Lisa says :

My co-worker Jessica, is cousins with Quiana, and she can not believe this has happened.

10. La Shawnte says :

Quania was my cousin, but more importantly, she was an angel. She had a heart/presence that touched the soul of all who were blessed to know her. Our family is in complete distraught! From the memories of our child hood marsh mellow fights to her adult love for sponge bob her innocent spirit is truly missed. Everyone is so curious as to what happened to her instead of realizing the pain in which her family truly feel. Yes you're concerned about your neighborhood but in time your area will go back to normal. However we have lost our pride and joy and our lives will never be the same. To the editor, Thank You for finally giving my cousin the respect she deserves by acknowledging her as his wife. Quania was not his room mate, nor just the woman he lived with but indeed his wife. This was a title that she wore proudly. Yes, she was the wife of a marine but in the eyes of her husband she was the only woman he seen. Quania & Jan, you guys are truly missed! May your souls rest in everlasting peace.

11. Ronnie says :

My heart goes out to the families of this couple. I just hope that we have more info soon because I am really scared, was it someone that knew them or is there a killer on the loose.

12. Tim Jones says :

I knew Q very well! She had no enemies!! I am heartbroken!! Newly Weds with their whole life infront of them, taken.

13. Kolega na Temecula says :

Jak straszny. Jak swiat to jest.

14. CONCERNED LOCAL CITIZEN says :

TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS: I am so horribly upset to hear of this awful crime. I don't know the couple or any of their family and friends...just a concerned neighbor here in French Valley. Please know that people are praying for you!!

My prayer for family/friends: God, I just ask you to wrap your comforting arms around those affected by this horrible, unthinkable tragedy. May you also guide the law enforcement with wisdom and strength as they work diligently to find a resolve. I ask that you be also with our community, give us the mental strength to get through this. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

15. YselaC13 says :

I too knew Quiana as my niece's friend since elementary school, they celebrated many special events together . . birthdays, graduation, vacation and most recently Quiana and Jan's wedding. I am in absolute shock over how something so cruel could happen to anyone, especially, a young couple who was just getting their life together started. To Concerned LocalCitizen, thank you for the well worded prayer. My family's thoughts, prayers and love are with Quiana and Jan's family and friends.

16. Hey "To Concerned" says :

You've got to be freaking kidding me. "The whole crime solved and Rice Krispy Treats before bed"?? Save your sarcasm cuz you sound like a total idiot. Go play your World of Warcraft or something, spare us your insight.

17. Karen says :

Our condolences, we are so sorry.
R.I.P

18. Monica says :

I am shocked and deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of this couple. I know the community is frightened and understandably so but I am confidant that our local police and sheriffs department will not rest until they have solved this heinous crime. May this be a reminder to all that life is short and not to be taken for granted and now more than ever we must stand together as a community united not divided. Jan and Quaina, may you rest in peace.

19. stunned says :

My daughter was friends with Q. Q. was a very caring, loving young woman. Her husband was a U.S. Marine who fought in Iraq for you and I. They deserve our prayers at this time, and the family some space. You will all get your answers soon enough. It should be enough for now to read the horrible words that they feel that they were not randomly targeted. I too was offended by the original information being put out not referencing them as husband and wife, when they knew that they were. I know this is something no one wants to think about, but I would like to know if anyone knows when and where the funeral is going to be I would like to pay my respects and help in anyway possible. My daughter also needs to make arrangements to get down here. If anyone has any information it would be most greatly appreciated. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family and especially to her mother. I cannot even imagine the dept of her pain and grief. Pray for healing, and pray for who ever commited such a vicious crime to be caught and to pay.

20. Sherry says :

Quania had the sweetest soul,and her comforting smile showed that. She was like a big sister to my neice..and Faye is like my neices mother. ( that she's never really had)..they are the nicest family, and my heart aches that such an innocent and loving woman, could be so brutially hurt. They will be greatly missed. Roy,Faye,Hilda...the whole williams family...you are in my prayers every night. Tay and I Love you.

21. Norwegian Nursing Home says :

We work with the mother of Jan and our deepest sympathy goes out to all involved in this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with you constantly. We will continue to pray not only for the families of Jan and Quania, but for their souls to rest in eternal peace.

22. vic says :

i can't believe this. i moved to this neighborhood for my kids to be safe. 6 months ago my truck was stolen out of the garage while i was sleeping upstairs. all doors were unlocked to house. now this. unbelievable. i guess you can never be too safe.

23. Jessica says :

I am best freinds with Jan's sister ALA stunned and the family just arrived today and will be making arragements today-hoping for Sunday or Monday, all is still uncertain, they all appreciate your prayers.

24. La Shawnte says :

To Stunned, thank you for your prayers. As of today we are not sure of their exact burial day, nor have you accepted this event as a part of reality yet. Thank you for your caring thoughts of my cousin, they are truly appreciated. Through the news, people are forming an opinion of her, not realizing to know her was to know an angel. I can't recall a time in which I seen her frown and no matter how bad a situation was she always found a reason to smile. Our souls are numb but we're finding comfort in the memories of her smile and joyous spirit. Lord knows I thank you for acknowledging my cousin for the caring, loving little lady in which our family adored!

25. A&W P. says :

My prayers go out to the families and especially Henrika. Be strong and know that GOD is in control! Ann & Family. Brooklyn , N.Y..

26. empress says :

I had the opportunity to work with Q over the last year. MY heart goes out to her and her husband's family. As with everyone else this has been a shock Q was one of the nicest and caring persons Ive had the opportunity to work with. She was selfless,had an angelic smile and was all willing to step in and help others. It is trully heart breaking to see her gone but some solice to the family should be that her soul lives on in the the life's of the women she worked with and their children.

27. EJB says :

I deployed with Pietrzak in 05', my deepest sympathy goes out to their family and friends. I never met his wife but knowing P. and the type of person he was I know she was a wonderful woman that made him happy. They will be missed by all who knew them. May they both rest in peace.

28. Jesusmyrock1964 says :

Amen to the prayer from "Concerned Local Citizen".

29. Heather says :

I have gone to school with Quiana these last two years. I am so glad that I was able to meet her. She is one of the sweetest, most genuine people I have ever met. I was completely shocked to find out what happened. How could this happen to such a wonderful person? My prayers are with Quiana's and Jan's family. I am so sorry they are having to experience such a devasting loss. My classmates and I would really like to attend the services, however, we are unsure when or where they will be held.

30. Iwona i Szczepan says :

Jan and Quania both of you will be very missed by as.You guys will be always in our heaths and memories.We will continue to pray for you and your families. R.I.P

31. HEMET JEFFREY says :

THIS IS HORRIBLE THESE TWO KIDS WITH THEIR WHOLE LIFE IN FRONT OF
THEM AND SOME ANIMAL FELT THE NEED
TO SNUFF THEM OUT THIS IS A TRAVESTY WE WOULD LIKE ANSWER'S
QUICKLY MY SISTER HAS A DAUGHTER HER AND HER HUSBAND MY WHOLE
FAMILY IS OUT HERE IN THE I.E. WE
LOVE IT BUT THIS KINDA STORY IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE PREVAILANT
IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD'S

32. Tammy Moore-Texas says :

I worked with Quiana's mother Faye and I met Quiana years ago, she used to babysit my son for me. Quiana was a sweet, beautiful and very intelligent woman. She came from a very lovingly and warm family, her mom and dad are very good people. This is such a tragic end to such a beautiful life. Faye, your family is in my prayers.

33. Tammy Moore-Texas says :

I worked with Quiana's mother Faye and had met Quiana about 6 years ago, she babysat my son. Quiana was a sweet, beautiful and very intelligent young woman. She had an outstanding personality and a warm smile. She will be greatly missed. R.I.P Quiana and Jan

34. LaTyce says :

I, like Heather, have been in school with Quiana for the past two years. She truly had a genuine spirit that will surely live on. I had the pleasure of meeting Jan four weeks ago when the couple attended my wedding. They were so in love and excited about this new chapter in their lives. My heart goes out to the families. I can’t even find words to express the sadness I feel, or begin to know how hard this is for them. Quiana’s MPH family will miss her dearly. My prayers have been many, and will continue for you all. Any information on services would be greatly appreciated. If the family does not wish to have this very personal and private information posted here, please feel free to call the university (909) 537-5000 and leave a message with the Health Science Department.

35. Debbi K says :

Henrika and family you are in our hearts and prayers.
Debbi NCHHC Brooklyn

36. tanyetta says :

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family!

37. DORIS says :

OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES OF THE COUPLE AT THIS TIME OF THEIR LOSSESS. AUNTIES FROM OTHER STATES. MAY PEACE AND COMFORT BE RESTORED TO YOUR SOULS

38. lori says :

my thoughts and prayers go out to the families. jan...thank you for fighting for our country, for our freedom. it is sad though you come back home to where we are free and you are taken away by obviously someones anger/rage. and quiana...thank you for standing by jan and supporting him in being a marine. i'm sorry both your lives ended so soon. may God bless you both in Heaven.

39. B. N. says :

To the Jenkins, Pietrzak and Williams' families: There aren't any words I can say to ease your pain, nor do I know what your going through, but I'd like to express my sincerest sympathy to all family members. May God Bless and be with you all. Roy and Faye, you raised Q very beautifully, you did well. Continue to take care of each other. B Nichols

40. MzTee says :

My heart felt condolences to this grieving family. The services may be over, but the hurt still lives on inside. My thoughts are like the most of them on here, no i didn't know your loved ones, but we all share in your loss. Continue to look to JESUS, for HE alone is the only one that can heal and keep you during these times. May the love of JESUS continue to keep this family wrapped in HIS loving arms. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning light. We don't know when that "light" will be, but just know that JESUS loves all of you and HE will give you "peace". In the Precious Name of Jesus...Amen
God Bless you and keep you

41. VB says :

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing the Pietrzak's but it really touched me when I heard of the tragic situation. I'm so sorry for your loss and just know that they are both smiling down from Heaven. I will continue to pray for you & your family. God Bless you!

42. NO NAME says :

I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS! I'M HATE THAT THIS HAPPEN TO THIS BEAUTIFUL COUPLE. AND I WILL PREY FOR THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, JESUS WILL TAKE CARE OF THEM. I HOPE THAT THE FACT THEY FOUND THE FIVE WHO DID THIS WOULD HELP IN SOME SMALL WAY. ONE OF THE MARINES WAS MY NEPHEW. I JUST GOT THE WORD! HE'S WHERE HE SHOULD BUT IN JAIL!

43. Undisclosed Vengence says :

The truth will be revealed shortly and justice will be served. This is truly a horrible tragedy.

44. Michelle N.C. says :

To Alicja (Jan's sister) My heart go,s out to you, your Mom, and the rest of your family. Anything you need just call. You know where I am. love u

45. OKC says :

I miss you Q and P! I am sick to my stomach after reading more about what happened to you. I vote for the death penalty for those murderers. =(

46. Mindie says :

This is truly a shame. This was a man defending our country and our freedom. And his very on freedom was taken from him. And those four men should be ashamed to even called themselves Marines. As a Marine you are in a Brotherhood and you do not do something like that to each other.

47. Sylvia & Suavek says :

We pray that justice is served and these monsters get the death penatly. Our hearts go out to Jan's and Quiana's families. My heart felt condolences to the grieving families. R.I.P Jasiu & Quiana

48. Greg says :

Those Four are not Marines. They have no code or honor.

49. CAS says :

As a neighbor in French Valley I did not know the Pietrzaks, I cannot believe these kids ( I won't call them Marines, Marines serve they don't take away) could be so in-human. Thereis more to this I am sure-regardless these punks should be put to death, since they were caught red handed and confessed I hope we don't accept a plea- that would be another tragedy

50. love says :

maybe this is just another reason to vote no on prop 8..... these ignorant marines didnt pick another couple..... some type of predjudice...some type of hate!!!!

51. mig says :

Prop 8 doesn't have anything to do with this. get educated. read the article again "for financial reasons"

52. name witheld says :

i say let the military try them under court martial and be subjected to death penalty.

53. Jan's Friend from NY says :

Jasiu and Quiana R.I.P. We will make sure that justice will be served. These 4 monsters that did that to you will suffer for the rest of their short life. Why is this world so cruel ? This is 21st Century and people still get killed because of their race? Jasiu and Quiana were murdered because they were an interracial couple not because these 4 murderers wanted to rob them. Jasiu and Quiana we will never forget you, may you both rest in Peace !

54. Friend says :

Jasiu and Quiana me miss you both dearly. These punks that once called themselves Marines will get what they deserve ... Death Penalty !!! I am so glad that finally they were cought and will spend the rest of their life in jail. You can see the pictures of these punks on myspace. They do look like murderers !

55. TO: JAN'S FRIEND says :

ONE OF THE EX MARINES HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS THAT'S WHITE AND HISPANIC.
HE ALSO HAVE LOTS OF COUSINS. INTERRACIAL COUPLE IS NOT IT! TRUST ME, IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE AND I HOPE THE INVESTIGATION WILL RESOLVE THIS. THERES NO EXCUSE OR REASON FOR THIS. BUT I WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO TALK TO EX MARINE SYKES! HIS FAMILY IS ASHAMED OF HIM! HE IS SICK!
HIS WIFE WHICH IS WHITE TOO, FILED CHARGES OF HIM FOR RAPE AGAINST HIM! I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPEN TO HIM BUT HE WASN'T LIKE THIS. I HOPE THEY PUT HIM TO SLEEP RIGHT AWAY BUT THAT SEEM TO EASY, LIVING AMOUNG OTHER EVIL SOUNDS LIKE A LIVING HELL AND ALL OF THEM DESERVES THAT...... FAMILY OR NO FAMILY!!!

56. Jan's Friend from NY says :

Please let that sick bastard SYKES know that all of his friends from NY wish him to rot and burn in hell ! He and the other punks took a beautiful newlywed loving couple that had their whole lives ahead of them away from us. We miss them, think of them and pray for them all day long. I need to know why they did what they did ? Why couldn't they rob their house (i don't believe it was the motive) while they were away ? Why did they have to murder them ? why did they wrote racial slurs on their walls? why did they violated Quiana? ...WHY ? WHY ? WHY ? If you get any of these answers from that punk murderer Sykes please let me know.... I am praying that justice will be served and all of these murderers won't get the chance to step a foot out of the prison ever again .... DEATH PENALTY sounds perfect !!!

Comment Continued : The comment above was written from the same location.

57. Marine says :

I served in the Marine Corps and I can guarantee these Marine 'suspects' are in a world of trouble. Every officer and staff NCO wiil be trying to bring em up on more charges. Whether the sheriff gets em or not, to tell the truth it would be better for them if the sheriff does get em. Another person made a comment about how they couldn't understand murdering someone. I couldn't agree more. You got to wonder if they already had experience, to be so cold blooded and to actually murder a fellow Marine and his wife. Sickening to know there are people out there capable of this type of crime. I can tell you that the vast majority of Marines are good, decent people and would never dream of doing something like this. They wouldn't dishonor their country, their corps, or fellow Marines. Condolences to the families of victims and sympathy ONLY to the parents of these murderers !

58. lori says :

what is this world coming to!? people being killed because of race!?? we all bleed the same color. racism needs to stop NOW. there is no excuse in this world for people to be racist. yeah...you can not like someone if you want, but to kill them because a white man marries a black woman or visa versa, no reason to kill at all. remember...we all came from adam and eve! they are the one the committed the sin that we all now carry. this beautiful couple had their whole life in front of them, starting it together as a newly married couple in a new home, doing what they loved to do best, taking care of our country and people. all i can say is your four that murdered them, soon you will be facing God himself and he will tell you to burn in hell.

to the families...again my thoughts and prayers are with you. i want to tell you a little story. i know your loved ones are in heaven. i know this because my brother is there, he passed away a year ago. i have seen small signs from him that he is still around in spirit. the day of the visitation for jan and quiana i was sitting at a stop light and was saying a prayer for all of you. i looked up to the sky and saw an orange balloon and white balloon floating up to the sky. that was my brothers way of telling me they were in heaven safely. my brother raced an orange porsche 914. the white balloon represented the angels that guided jan and quiana to heaven. God Bless you all.

59. Friend says :

60. Michel-Rene' says :

I served in the Navy with some very good Marines. It is unthinkable to know that "those men" who were "suppose" to be Marines, who always stand tall, proud and eager to defend our country along side with their fellow service members. This is such a tragedy! I will keep the "murdered" couple in my prayers as well as to their families that suffered a tragic loss.

61. Steph says :

I didnt even know this beautiful couple but to see their pictures and hear of what happened to them just makes me sick to my stomach. It is so so sad because I know they were a loving couple just from all the comments I've heard, I cant believe that anyone would want to hurt them and from what I've heard from the news, the men who did this dont even derserve a trial just end their lives we dont need people like that in this society. This couple looked so happy and they did not deserve this, those stupid men who did this will definitely get whats coming to them.

62. EmoMessNCali says :

Finally, that national media has gotten a hold of this story, it was on Good Morning America today. And I hope that exposure will stop any plea agreements from being made so that these ugly animalistic criminals will get what they deserve. As far as I'm concerned, no punishment would be enough. I believe Jan fought as much as he could to protect his beautiful wife and I pray that they are walking on the beautiful beaches of Heaven together.

63. lbcc says :

to say that this is a trajic story, is an understatement. i dont even know this couple, but as soon as i heard about it, it broke my heart. not because it was a marine and his wife, but simply because it was two human beings, who lives were ended at the hands of selfish people, who had no regards for how precioius life is and how hard it would be for the families and friends to cope with the loss of their loved ones.. a lot of people keep saying that this story is surprising, but in reality, this is the world we live in. where people die everyday. children, adults, and the elderly, all have their precious lives ended by evil people who have no regards for the gift of life. this is just another example of how people need to realize how jealousy , envy , hate and ignorance, all make people do things, that make them forget that they will one day be held accountable for their actions when they stand before GOD. my prayers go out to the family and friends..may the LORD give you peace and stregnth

64. eazy says :

My condolensces to the family! These are not Marines these are couple of individuals who perpetrated as Marines. Marines don't take lives for not apparent reason whatsoever. I don't think this had nothing to do with race or jealousy. I believe these individuals planned this out. I pray for the Sgt and his wife. Expect swift justice with these Marines. They should not see the light of day for the rest of their lives. It seems like there has been a lot of civilian legal issues related to Marines. We need to take a look at this because their may be some association with the high operational tempo for this fighting force. Everytime a Marine takes a life like this many come out for them saying that this is not the same person I knew in high school or college. Somethng has changed them and that something is war. Me personally I think these are very bad men and should be held accountable at the highest level. Don't want to take away from the death of 2 great people and outstanding citizens. Both were serving either their community or the US. God bless them adn continue to pray for their families thru these hard times. and

65. kaykay says :

wow this is crazy i cant belive keshaun sykes would do that i new him in job corps two years ago wow

1:09 pm Wed, Nov 12^th, 2008

66. PDX transplant says :

This is going to be tried as a hate crime, you'll see. And from the out-set rightly so. I find it beyond hard to believe that those 4 pieces of garbage came to that house to steal a wedding ring and a camera. They were out for blood, and brutalized a black woman married to a white man. Coincidence? I highly doubt it. I just want to know where the NAACP stands on this? Or Al Sharpton? Are they gonna pay for the lawyers and plead a defense of "the white man oppressed the black man for so long, they finally snapped?" Fry these wastes of air and water sooner than later please....

1:57 pm Thu, Nov 13^th, 2008

67. Shannon says :

where is everyone getting this hate crime thing from?? Nowhere did it state it was about race, from what I hear it was about MONEY!! Their wedding fund to be exact....now I agree these guys need to be sentenced to life, what they did was wrong. and to show up at work the very next day and act surprised when word came around that the sgt and his wife were dead, they're sick people! They will get what was coming to them! I live around the corner from them and my husband worked with the marines and the sgt, its incredible what people will do for even the littlest of money! My prayers are with their families!

7:37 am Fri, Nov 14^th, 2008

68. nhcc says :

to shannon.. these weren't a group of unemployed men. they had jobs, they were marines. robbing someone is different. they just didnt kill them, they raped the woman numberous times, then tortured the two..it doesnt take a rocket scientists to see it had to do about something more than just money.

7:29 am Sun, Nov 16^th, 2008

69. Sabrina says :

It's been more than a week since I initially heard of the murder of Jan and Quiana, and I still feel saddened. I didn't know then but I still grieve for them and their families just the same. May these two beautiful young people rest in peace and just be swiftly served on their behalf.

6:01 pm Sun, Nov 16^th, 2008

70. mariusz says :

I did not know them but my heart goes to the family and the couple whom I'm sure are together now somewhere with God.. Very sad to see this happening in 21st century.

6:05 am Wed, Dec 3^rd, 2008

71. Tarzan says :

You folks are Sooooo Naive. This is OBVIOUSLY a hate crime. Four black male marines do a home invasion on a white (polish) co-worker and superior non commissioned officer... who ALSO happens to be married... to a beautiful 26 year old black female... who is going to become a DOCTOR?

It's a hate crime, and every single one of those murdering bastards should be castrated publicly and hung from the court house steps. There is no way that this poor woman was not raped and sodomized anally by all four. It's the most horrible home invasion murder California has seen in 20 years. Execute them all.

10:59 am Mon, Mar 23^rd, 2009

72. Jay of Murrieta says :

As a Marine I wouldn't want to see or even go near these four killers. It will be hard for me to not do anything heiniuos to the four accused. Do not even call them ex-Marine, they are nothing but criminals.

5:59 pm Tue, Apr 14^th, 2009

73. Doctor G says :

To Tarzan - certainly it was a a hate crime, as any victim of rape can tell you that sex had nothing to do with the act. It was a means to a humiliating and frightful end. The actions of the four animals were those not of robbers but of thugs. They came to humiliate and murder, and place an uppity white man who had the gall to take one of their women. Her crime? She allowed herself to be taken. This is nothing more than a reverse 40's-50's linching of a black man for being with a white woman. It was sweeter for the Evil Ones insomuch as the victims were superior people to them in both life and spirit, and any cash lying around was a bonus. His superior position in the Corps must have made it all the more enjoyable for them, as the murdered the United States Marine Corps in the process as well. Unfortunately, since the perpatrators are black, it will never be treated as the hideous thing it is in reality. Is that a good thing or not? It does seems strange to me that heaping on charges of hate will make their execution any more lethal. I have doubts concerning punishments that revolve around thought and motives . . . the crime remains the same regardless of the why. But truely understanding the thoughts and motives of such racists might just be the first step in overcoming them - and if we deliberately blind ourselves to half of the racist coin, it will only take us that much longer to put such things firmly behind us. My deepest sympathies to the survivors of this wonderful couple, my firmest regrets over society's loss from this crime, and my prayers for the families of the perpatrators who have absolutely no solice in a time as brutal as this.

2:22 pm Mon, May 11^th, 2009

74. Marine NCO says :

Please do not call these pathetic wastes of tissue Marines... These four criminal low-lifes are the exact opposite of everything the Marine Corps teaches us. They are not "typical examples" of what the Corps breeds in us. My deepest sympathies go to the families of the victims in this horrible tragedy. No punishment these animals recieve will be harsh enough...

3:46 pm Sat, Jun 6^th, 2009

75. Name Witheld says :

I hope the m.....-fu#*ing pieces of GARBAGE get raped in prison every day. I am a Camp Pendleton Marine and this story sickens me to my core. If given the chance, I would gladly serve on a firing squad for these animals. With a smile on my face. They aren't Marines, former Marines, Ex-Marines...They're not even human beings. My thoughts and prayers go to the families of the victims. From everything I've ever heard, they were both tremendous people who did not deserve to go like this. Nobody deserves to go through what they went through. I can't sleep some nights when I think about how awful that must have been for them...

Four Marines arrested for French Valley murders

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