New surveillance footage has been released as Mesa police renew a call for help in the investigation of a fatal stabbing that occurred last year. Officers responding shortly before 6:30 a.m. on May 12, 2025, discovered a man suffering fatal injuries in an alley near Hibbert Street and Broadway Road, west of Mesa Drive.
Image shows person of interest near scene
Police identified the victim as 47-year-old Jerry Dietch, who died at the scene. Investigators say Dietch showed what they described as "obvious signs of trauma" that authorities believe were stab wounds. Security cameras captured a person near several parked cars around the time of the incident; that individual then runs from the area on the footage released by Mesa Police.
"Obvious signs of trauma," investigators say the victim had what they believe were stab wounds.
The person seen in the video is wearing a light-colored hoodie, dark pants and dark shoes. In the clip the individual is seen pacing near vehicles before departing quickly on foot. Police have not released a name or identified any suspect publicly.
How the public can help
- Contact Mesa Police at 480-644-2211 with any information about the case or the person seen in the video.
- Leave an anonymous tip through Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish speakers.
- Tips also accepted via the Silent Witness website.
The release of the video comes as police continue to piece together what happened that morning in the alley. For neighbors and people who work in the area, the case is a reminder that violent incidents can occur in parts of Mesa that many consider familiar. Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Hibbert and Broadway Road around 6:30 a.m. on May 12, 2025, to review personal cameras and to come forward if they saw anything unusual.
| Date | Victim | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2025 | Jerry Dietch, 47 | Alley near Hibbert & Broadway Road (west of Mesa Drive) |
Mesa police have not provided further details about a motive or whether they have identified any potential suspects. Anyone with information that could help the investigation is encouraged to contact the numbers above. Silent Witness allows for anonymous reporting, which investigators say can be vital in closing cases where few witnesses have come forward.
