ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 14, 2025) – Anaheim Police detectives are conducting a homicide investigation after a deceased woman was found in a field.
On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at approximately 3 a.m., Anaheim PD and Anaheim Fire & Rescue personnel responded to the 2100 block of West Crescent Avenue to check the welfare of a female who was unconscious and bleeding.
Upon arrival, they located a deceased woman, 43-year-old Jessica Elaine Crummel of Anaheim, inside a tent in a large unoccupied field on the north side of the street. Based on the initial investigation, it was determined to be a homicide.
Jessica Crummel was possibly living out of a tent at the time of her death. Detectives are asking anyone who has information regarding Jessica Crummel or her death to call Anaheim PD at 714-321-3669 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.
Editor’s Note: Jessica’s sister, Robyn Joy Crummel, posted this message on Facebook back in 2019 – This is my sister Jessica Crummel. She has been missing since Mid-July from Orange County California. She was last seen leaving her mothers house with her boyfriend also pictured Forrest Thompson. If you have any information about their whereabouts please contact the Orange county sheriffs department @ (714)634-1188 You can also message me. This is very unlike her. Please help bring my sister home.
In California, the penalties for homicide vary significantly depending on the type of homicide, the circumstances of the crime, and the defendant’s criminal history. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories and their associated penalties:
1. First-Degree Murder
- Definition: Deliberate and premeditated killing, or killing during the commission of certain felonies (felony murder rule).
- Penalty:
- 25 years to life in prison
- Life without parole or death penalty if aggravating factors are present (e.g., multiple victims, killing a law enforcement officer, use of torture or bombs) under Penal Code 190.2.
2. Second-Degree Murder
- Definition: Intentional killing without premeditation, often involving reckless disregard for human life.
- Penalty:
- 15 years to life in prison
- 25 years to life if the victim was a peace officer
- Life without parole under the Three Strikes Law if the defendant has two prior serious felony convictions.
3. Manslaughter
- Voluntary Manslaughter: Killing in the heat of passion or due to provocation.
- Penalty: Up to 11 years in prison
- Involuntary Manslaughter: Unintentional killing due to criminal negligence.
- Penalty: 2 to 4 years in prison
- Vehicular Manslaughter: Causing death through negligent driving.
- Penalty: Up to 10 years, or more if intoxicated or repeat DUI offender (Watson murder).
Sentencing Enhancements
- Firearm Use:
- +10 years for using a gun
- +20 years for firing it
- +25 years to life if it caused death (Penal Code 12022.53)
- Gang-Related Homicide: Additional 15 years to life (Penal Code 186.22)
- Multiple Victims: Consecutive life sentences may apply (Penal Code 654).
Legal Defenses
Defendants may argue:
- Self-defense
- Accidental killing
- Mental illness or diminished capacity
If the person responsible for Jessica Crummel’s death is apprehended and charged, the specific penalty will depend on the degree of murder, any aggravating factors, and whether enhancements apply.