Cold Case: Searching for "Sharky," Suspected Shooter of Women

Irma Gaxiola, 40, mother and grandmother, was killed in her backyard, allegedly by her daughter's ex-boyfriend four years ago in South-Central Los Angeles, in a case that has sent detectives on a nationwide hunt. They sought the public's help this week in locating their suspect, Rodolfo Diaz, 28, pictured here, who goes by the nickname "Sharky."

Diaz had dated Gaxiola's daughter, fathered her child, then hounded her after they split, said LAPD Newton Det. Roger Sandoval.

After a year of conflict, Diaz walked into the family's home in the 1600 block of East Vernon Avenue on Aug. 22, 2002. "You're not going to be happy," he told his ex-girlfriend. Then he walked into the backyard, and allegedly shot both her mother and sister. Gaxiola died of her injuries; the sister survived.

Diaz has more than one alias and connections out of the country and in Chicago, Ill. He is five-foot-five, 140 pounds, and has a tattoo of a heart and the name "Miriam"--Gaxiola's daughter--on his right forearm, and the words "Mi Vida Loca" tattooed on his neck. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Sandoval or Det. Dave Nunn at (323) 846-6556. 

Comments

[Bob]

After I read some of these comments, it's unfortunate to say that it's a good thing that I don't live in L.A. anymore. It's a hard pill to sallow just to read this blog in general, but to blame one race or the other is just plain absurd.

I don't care if a person comes from across the block or from the planet Pluto, wrong is wrong, and taking another's life is just that, wrong!

It really pains me to see that my old neighborhood in South Central (when I was born and raised) has turned out like this and when I visit L.A., I'm very hesitant as to go south of the 10 Fwy or downtown. It's heartbreaking.

[ruben]

hey kim if you want to shrink the divide between blacks and hispanics how bout going after THIRTEENBURN and this idiot MIKE and not attacking cibithia she was just defending her people, these are the ignorant idiots that get blacks and latinos to fight. And speaking of these idiots how about doing some research its not about black or white or brown, its about rich and poor and lack of education and just cause minorities happen to be in that category of poor in Los Angeles a majority of that time it happens to be in the homicide report but how bout helping the situation instead of making it worse...morons.

[kim]

comments like those from cbithia are exactly what is dividing the Black community and Mexican community. How dare you take this opportunity, to speak of the unfortunate death of someone to say "look at Blacks, they commit more violent crimes", especially since the areas you've listed are now overwhelmingly mexican. just so you know, most Black/African-Americans are also hard-workers, trying to provide for their families. moreover, we are also kind-hearted people, and are just now becoming aware of the disdain you hold for us. pathetic.
focus your energy on praying for a solution to end all violent crime, not pointing the finger at another victimized (by your group) ethnicity of people. It's disgusting.

[cibthia]

i dont think anyone should be pointing fingers at mexicans because ,there is african americans who are known for many violent acts to.take a look at compton,watts,esc.......remember this was mexico before and the ones who harvest our fruits our the mexicans........ ,most mexicans are hard workers...so please dont say this about immigration because there are pretty much immigrants all thru the world because we all migrated from somewhere.look at our governer ..he doesnt even speak english right ,and hes the governor???

[mike]

ILLEGAL ARE THE REASON WHY THE HOMICIDE RATE IS LIKE THIS IN LOS ANGELES AN IT SAD TO SAY THAT THEY WANT TO LET THEM IN THIS COUNTRY FOR FREE

[Thirteenburn]

Just look in Mexico, as that's where these punk coward ILLEGAL immigrants go after sneaking into our country and then pulling this crap.

Just go tell the family that ILLEGAL immigration is OK and doesn't bother anyone.

Funny how out of all of these homicides, less then ten are of whites or blacks, the rest are entirely made up of ILLEGAL immigrants.

[Dana]

A very, very, sad, story. I just can't believe the actions and lenghts some will go to. So many of us will end up in these bad realtionships, and find a bad seed among the people we date, but to have one of you'r ex's walk into you'r home and shoot you'r mother and sister, just is'nt right. That poor woman will have to go the rest of her days w/out her mom, all over a realtionship going bad. Scary, makes you not want to date anyone.