Paul R. Joey Lesh, aged 66, tragically lost his life on September 26, 2015, in Banning, California. His death was part of a violent crime spree that shocked the local community. On that fateful day, Lesh was one of two victims who were fatally shot in separate incidents. The other victim was 34-year-old Benjamin Johnson. The suspect, identified as James Paul Diaz, allegedly carried out these attacks in a series of violent acts that spanned several locations within a short period.
The
crime spree began around 11:36 a.m. when Banning police responded to a call about shots fired in the 700 block of East John Street. Upon arrival, officers found two men in a vehicle, one of whom was already deceased from a gunshot wound. The second man sustained minor injuries and was treated at a hospital before being released. Shortly after, another shooting occurred near the intersection of San Gorgonio Avenue and Nicolet Street, where a motorist was injured by broken glass from a vehicle window. The suspect in both incidents was described as driving a white SUV.
The violence continued with an assault at an AM/PM gas station on 22nd and Ramsey streets, where a man was beaten while sitting in his parked car. This attack was also attributed to the same suspect, who was seen driving a white SUV. The final incident occurred at 12:13 p.m. on East Lincoln Street, where officers found Paul Lesh shot to death inside a vehicle that had crashed into a wall outside a city vehicle yard.
James Paul Diaz was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, and other related charges. The arrest followed a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Banning Police Department, Beaumont Police, the California Highway Patrol, and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Diaz's arrest brought some relief to the community, but the senseless loss of life left a lasting impact on the families and friends of the victims.
The legal proceedings against Diaz were closely followed by the community, as they sought justice for the victims. The case highlighted the need for continued efforts to address violent crime and ensure the safety of residents in Banning and surrounding areas.
