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The firefighter accused of killing his wife with an ax after allegedly learning she was cheating pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday as family and friends of the slain woman showed up in force.

Glendale fireman Andrew Jimenez, 45, has been charged with the murder of his wife, Mayra Jimenez, 46, after she was found bludgeoned to death in the couple’s North Hollywood home on Jan. 21.


  Andrew Jimenez has been charged with the domestic violence murder of his wife, Mayra Jimenez, after she was found bludgeoned to death in the couple’s North Hollywood home. Obtained by CA Post Andrew Jimenez has been charged with the domestic violence murder of his wife, Mayra Jimenez, after she was found bludgeoned to death in the couple’s North Hollywood home. Obtained by CA Post

The firefighter is accused of using an ax to commit the brutal alleged murder.

Andrew Jimenez had apparently learned his wife was cheating on him “moments” before her gruesome death, according to the suspect’s former lawyer.

His arraignment had been previously postponed.


  Supporters of Mayra Jimenez outside court in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. Frederick M. Brown for California Post Supporters of Mayra Jimenez outside court in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. Frederick M. Brown for California Post

  Judge Theresa McGonigle. Frederick M. Brown for California Post Judge Theresa McGonigle. Frederick M. Brown for California Post

On Wednesday, a shackled Andrew Jimenez sat in a plexiglass-walled holding area dressed in blue jail garb. 

He uttered a single word — “Yes” — during the seven-minute proceeding when Judge Theresa McGonigle asked if he understood his rights and the date of his next court hearing.

The accused murderer’s public defender, Mark Carrillo, entered the not guilty plea on behalf of his client. 

Andrew Jimenez faces 26 year to life in prison if convicted.


  Mayra Jimenez was a beloved fist- and third-grade teacher at Wilshire Elementary School in Koreatown. Obtained by the NY Post Mayra Jimenez was a beloved fist- and third-grade teacher at Wilshire Elementary School in Koreatown. Obtained by the NY Post

Supporters of Mayra Jimenez filled several rows in the public gallery at the downtown Los Angeles courtroom.

Some wore blue LA Dodger T-shirts with the words “MAYRA FOREVER” in white letters emblazoned on the back above the number 5, to honor what would have been her 47th birthday on May 5.

“We just want to honor her,” one told The Post. 

Mayra Jimenez was a beloved fist- and third-grade teacher at Wilshire Elementary School in Koreatown and a non-denominational ordained minister.

Home videos obtained by The Post showed what appeared to a loving marriage between the couple.


  Officials remove Mayra Jimenez’s body from the couple’s North Hollywood apartment. Obtained by CA Post Officials remove Mayra Jimenez’s body from the couple’s North Hollywood apartment. Obtained by CA Post

The affectionate footage from their 2014 wedding showed the pair kissing while wearing firefighter hats.

Andrew Jimenez was taken into custody the same day of the killing after flagging down LAPD officers and asking them to conduct a welfare check on his wife, authorities said at the time. 

A former private counsel for the firefighter previously revealed to The Post that the husband had read his wife’s diary in which she allegedly wrote of an affair immediately before the slaying.

Attorney Jose Romero said in a statement that his office was “in contact with law enforcement regarding a diary of the decedent, apparently read moments before the homicide, that verified infidelity by the decedent.”


  Andrew Jimenez started with the Glendale Fire Department in 2008 as a paramedic and was promoted to firefighter in 2024. Obtained by CA Post Andrew Jimenez started with the Glendale Fire Department in 2008 as a paramedic and was promoted to firefighter in 2024. Obtained by CA Post

  The scene of the alleged murder in North Hollywood David Buchan for NY Post David Thompson (RedThink Media). 310-484-4952 davidthompsonla@gmail.comMike Stotts The scene of the alleged murder in North Hollywood David Buchan for NY Post David Thompson (RedThink Media). 310-484-4952 davidthompsonla@gmail.comMike Stotts

Romero also described Jimenez as a “veteran of the Pacific Palisades fire.” Hours after making the statement, he stepped down from the case. 

Jimenez started with the Glendale Fire Department on April 28, 2008, as a paramedic and was promoted to firefighter in June 2024, according to social media posts.

“Our condolences are with the victim’s family and loved ones,” Fire Chief Jeff Brooks said at the time.

“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.”

Jimenez is being held in custody with no bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for May 12. 

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