Home / Crime and Justice / Cold Case Cracked: Arrest in 2004 Hemet Teen Murder
Cold Case Cracked: Arrest in 2004 Hemet Teen Murder
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Suspect arrested Friday in connection with 2004 murder case.
- Victim's body was discovered by a hiker in Idyllwild hills.
- New leads prompted a review and reopening of the cold case.
A significant breakthrough has been made in the 2004 murder of an 18-year-old Hemet teenager, with a suspect now in custody. Investigators identified James Landi, 43, as a person of interest in the case years ago, but insufficient evidence prevented an immediate arrest, leaving the investigation cold.
The case was revived in August of this year when a review uncovered new evidence and leads, prompting its reopening. Authorities subsequently took Landi into custody on Friday, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. He is currently being held at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
The victim, Reynoldo Burts, was found deceased by a hiker in the rugged hills near Southfork Trail and Highway 74 in Idyllwild. Landi now faces a murder charge in connection with the long-unsolved crime. The Central Homicide Unit is urging anyone with further information to come forward.
