Final victim of the ‘Happy Face Killer’ identified 34 years later

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) - Investigators have identified the final unidentified victim of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, known as the “Happy Face Killer,” 34 years after the discovery of her body near Blythe. The woman, previously referred to by investigators as “Claudia,” was officially identified on Thursday as Lydia Jane Wade McWhorter, a 26-year-old from

Read more...

Power outage leaves Thermal schools without AC as temperatures soar

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) — The Coachella Valley Teachers Association is calling for the immediate closure of two Coachella Valley Unified School District campuses in Thermal after a power outage left schools without air conditioning. The union issued a cease-and-desist directive to CVUSD, calling on the district to evacuate and close John Kelly Elementary School and

Read more...

UPDATE: Palm Desert man accused of attacking Flock camera contractor is out on bail; case now in DA’s hands

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) The Palm Desert man arrested in an attack on a Flock Safety contractor posted bail and was released from custody Wednesday, and the case was submitted to prosecutors Thursday for a decision on formal charges, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office confirmed to News Channel 3. Nathan Daniel Ceballos, had been expected

Walter Clark Legal Group offers safe ride home program for Labor Day weekend

Rancho Mirage, CA (KESQ)- As Labor Day weekend approaches, Walter Clark Legal Group is encouraging Southern California residents to make responsible transportation choices after celebrating with friends and family. The personal injury law firm is once again offering its Safe Ride Home Program, which reimburses eligible participants for the cost of a cab or rideshare when

Valley heat sends visitors to Idyllwild

IDYLLWILD, CALIF. (KESQ)- As hot and humid conditions continue across the Coachella Valley, some residents and visitors are heading to higher elevations for a break from the desert heat. Idyllwild, located in the San Jacinto Mountains, offers cooler temperatures just a short drive from the valley. For local businesses, the change in weather can also

Flock camera mistakes: What happens when the wrong person is identified?

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Automated license plate readers are increasingly being used by law enforcement to help identify vehicles connected to investigations, but what happens when information tied to a plate leads authorities to the wrong person? News Channel 3 is looking into the safeguards surrounding Flock Safety cameras and the databases used alongside

Palm Springs City Council approves temporary data center moratorium

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Palm Springs City Council members unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new large-scale data center projects Wednesday night. The 45-day pause gives the city time to study the potential impacts of the facilities before deciding whether additional regulations are needed. During public comment, several residents spoke in favor of the

Hundreds gather for lightsaber vigil to honor fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) - Hundreds gathered in La Quinta Wednesday night to honor local fallen Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez and the 12 other U.S. service members killed in the Kabul airport attack five years ago. (Top row left to right) Maxton Soviak, Kareem Nikoui, David Espinoza, Rylee McCollum, Jared Schmitz, Taylor Hoover, Nicole Gee