Saul Garcia, 21

Saul Garcia, a 21-year-old Latino young man, was shot at least twice along with his companion, Kevin Deville, 21, listed below, in a double homicide at 7058 Hazeltine Ave. in Van Nuys at about 10:35 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5. The two were standing together when a gunman, or two, walked up and shot them. Police got a shots-fired call in the area; they arrived but found nothing, and cleared the scene.

Right after the officers left, another call came on the radio: Someone had seen the two young men lying wounded on a grassy median next to the sidewalk a little ways away. The city Fire Department was already there. Either Garcia or Deville was transported to Holy Cross Medical Center. But both young men died very soon after being shot.

Van Nuys detectives are appealing to the public for help with the case. Anyone who heard or saw anything is asked to call (818) 374-1952, or, after hours, (818) 374-1962.

Update:L.A. Councilwoman Wendy Greuel announced a $25,000 reward on Friday, July 11, in the San Fernando Valley for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murders of Saul Garcia, 21, and Kevin Deville, 21.

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Comments

[a fan of Loevy]

After reading this blog I've read numerous instances of a gun man approaching individuals and shooting them dead for no reason and no relationship with the victims. I'm beginning to believe that because these people are not Anglo, they are to be dismissed. If these were middle class kids being shot-up by strangers, then the press would have an all points bulletin out regarding this "serial killer." This blog breaks my heart because I really believe that if LA pulled together the government could put a major dent in the amount of homicides occurring each year.

[Mark]

fan of Loevy, race has nothing to do with this. Quite simply, these homicides occur so frequently in the black and Latino communities, its become "not newsworthy".

Such events are still unusual in white communities, thus it does garner interest.

[Rafael]

Hello, if any one have any info about this murder please come foward!

This were my friends,
They were very good kids, Saul Garcia was a very good person all he wanted in life was to become a recording artist and a music producer he was making music every day he was never part of a gang or any thing like that.. and he's partner Kevin played the guitar and they use to make wonderfull music together, is a shame how too young and very good guys with such good talent be gone like that. in only one second ur life could be taken from you and now all we have is hope that GOD is taking care of there soul's.. I live my life trying to understand why things like this happen and I just can't understand .. All of us will be missing u you guys..I just hope you guys are in haven .... with love...

[SAP]

To Mark

It does not have to be "newsworthy". The point is that every human being's life on this earth is precious and no one should be killed at hand of another human being. Just because you do concern yourself with these circumstances does not mean that their deaths are insignificant.

[mark]

SAP, all murders should be extensively reported on. But, even the LA Times has admitted (many times over the past two decades) that the homicides in the black and latino areas are so frequent and similar, that it doesnt warrent coverage as compared to a murder 40 or 50 years ago.

Be honest with yourself. If it were two kids that were gunned down in Palos Verdes, it would be covered simply because such a thing happens maybe once every few decades. Same thing happens anywhere in Los Angeles.... well it happens every single day of the year.

Thank god this blog is bringing the homicides to light!

[Melissa]

This was a horrible thing to look at. I didn't know these young men, but I still think about them day and night. Their blook stains on the concrete and grass remain as a reminder of the this cowardly act.

[loveleee]

Every tragedy is news worthy, If not this site would not flourish as it does. They cant get new News on here fast enough people come to this site regularly to see who else has been Murdered. So it's newsworthy to even you mark. It is unbelieveable that so many deaths occur. I am the mother of a teenage black young man. I pray daily and all through the day for his safety and welfare, as well as the rest of my family. To me that is our ONLY HOPE of survival.
Those of you who care pray for the lives of our youth and pray that They find the real source of life GOD! He can be what ever these young men need . Because I think truly things wouldnt be the way they are if God had not been removed from the equation . People better recognize the truth before Jesus returns........cause this is nothing compared to the troubles coming when we saints are Raptured up out of here. Praise God you guys, Praise God.............

[ray aguilera]

kevin was my nephew,and very very good young man.we need help from the commuity to stop this person from ever hurting anyone eles.please if you know anything,no matter how small the infor. please help.kevin and his best friend ajul will be miss but always lovedl martin mojarro or linda lowande at 818-374-1952/1999 with any slight imformation.be safe, and God bless you all.

[MIssing Cali]

Do you really think that they would report crimes that happen in the suburban neighborhoods? No! I live in North Carolina and the newspaper here only reports the crimes committed to and by minorities. I went to a press conference where it was said that most of the crimes in the suburbs go unreported. Truth is, we are in a society that is still cloaked by racism and prejudice. By highlighting the crimes in minority neighborhoods the media is placing fears in the hearts and heads of the ignorant. It is also glamorizing crime that is presented in modern day pop culture. If we start requesting that the news media (all outlets) report every crime, I bet we will see a change in some of the statistics.
My heart and prayers go out to the families and friends of these gentlemen.

[Mark]

MIssing Cali, only you can speak of what goes on in your state. But this blog is about the homicides in Los Angeles. We do know that serious crimes are reported (fairly) accurately in the non-minority area's, and probably under reported in the minority communities.

And as many a criminal justice expert can tell you, most, if not all homicides are reported simply because a body is found. The numbers that fall through the cracks is statistically insignificant.

And, we can all be sure that the white and asian area's have a fraction the rates the black and latino communities have.

[MIssing Cali]

Mark I am from Compton. I come home every summer and I was making a comparison to what was said. I was stating that they will report crimes in minority neighborhoods no matter what.Being able to compare what I see there to what I am seeing here, says a lot about the media in our country. So Mark, when you live between two states and see the same situation, please comment on it.

[fan of Leovy]

To the simpleton that made the comment that only people who live in this state should make comments about the crimes - WRONG again brilliant one. Los Angeles is not just the state of California's, it belongs to the world. People know its ideal climate, mountains, beaches, free spirit. But how can you enjoy ANY OF THIS if people are MURDERING, STEALING, ROBBING, everyone and anyone while there. It turns the stomach - regardless of prevelance and minority status.

[Ashley]

Kevin Deville and Saul Garcia were both my friends. In fact, Kevin was my best friend. For this to happen to them, the most loving people i ever met,.. is a shame. Not only is the coward or cowards who committed this crime still out there but the fact that no one is coming forward with any information what-so-ever completely disgusts me!!! These were a couple of aspiring musicians and there was absolutely NO reason for this horrid crime! I'll admit, I cry whenever I think about what their families lost, their friends, and the world. I'm asking from the bottom of my heart for anyone to come forward with any information that will lead to the capture of their killers to come forward. Please.

[glad]

everyday i spend time during my lunch hour to read about all these young people getting killed and its sad. i grew up in Pico Rivera and decided to move to the country with my children. i am single parent and i really am so happy that i made the decision to move put of that area. i go and visit from time to time and you know i have young brothers who are not gang members that keep me updated on what goes on. i pray everyday that my brothers are safe. one time my brother was telling me that he was hanging out at some ones house one night and it was very late and between all of them they were trying to figure out how my brother was goin to get home or what was the best and fast way to get home because he was in another territory where you can possibly get into trouble. i wanted to cry so bad but i held it in. please move if you can its hard enough to get a job out there but to survive is so hard. god promises us a better future and i believe it.one day he will make this earth a paradise again. glad

glad

[LILIANA CONTRERAS]

SAUL GARCIA IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. HE AND I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY. TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE TOOK HIM AND KEVIN AWAY FROM US MAKES ME ANGRY, SAD, AND TERRIFIED TO KNOW THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE STILL OUT THERE. NOT ONLY DID THEY KILL THEM, THEY KILLED EVERYONE WHO LOVES THEM. NOW MY SON, MALACHI, HAS TO GROW UP WITHOUT THE LOVE OF HIS DADDY, SAUL.
SAUL GREW UP WITHOUT HIS FATHER BECAUSE OF THAT HE NEVER WANTED OUR SON TO HAVE TO GROW UP WITHOUT HIM, BUT THANKS TO THESE COWARDS, MALACHI WILL NOT HAVE HIS DADDY TO GUIDE HIM NOR LOVE HIM.
SAUL AND I WERE TO BE MARRIED IN JANUARY. TELL ME, HOW DO I GO ON WITHOUT THE LOVE OF MY LIFE HERE NEXT TO ME? HOW DO I TELL MY SON THAT HIS FATHER WAS TAKEN FROM US? HOW DO I GET THE STRENGTH TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY LIFE FOR MY SON IF EVERY CHILD NEEDS THE LOVE OF BOTH THEIR MOTHER AND FATHER.
MY WHOLE LIFE WAS PLANNED TO BE NEXT TO HIM. WE WERE SUPPOSED TO GROW OLD TOGETHER AND LOOK BACK AT OUR "GOOD LIFE" (THATS WHAT SAUL WOULD ALWAYS TELL ME). BUT NOW, I AM LEFT WITHOUT HIM. WHEN HE DIED, A HUGE PART OF ME DIED WITH HIM FOR HE WAS MY HEART. HOW DOES ONE LIVE WITHOUT YOUR HEART?

[Becky Sanchez [maiden name: Henderson]]

I love these guys soo much. It hurts so much know they're gone.. hurts more to know that Saul has a son that he wont be able to see grow up.. and that Kevin's Mom is hurting so badly..
I didn't want to believe this entire story was true, until I went to their funeral..
I grew up with them and they've had such an impact on me. They were amazing people and I'd do anything to turn back time and change this.. anything. I think about them every single day.. my heart feels empty knowing someone could do this to a person for no reason.. to 2 incredible boys... this has completely changed who I am as a person. I love them and always will. I hope we find who did this.

[roberto lopez]

from the far western europe... how come your youngsters are so lost? and anyway... how come grown-ups cant stop them? looks terrible....

[chelsea chanel]

Saul and Kevin were 2 of my best friends. Me and Saul dated and lived together for a year and we spent days and nights making music, partying, watching movies, and cracking jokes. I loved saul so much and I believed in his music and talent more than anyone! When it came to saul and his music I dont think anyone else besides me and kevin understood how much it meant to saul. He was meant to be one of the greatest producers of all time and now the only way his songs will be heard is if I make it big. I have a 4 song demo all beats produced by saul and everytime I play it I literally cant hold back my tears. If it werent for saul I wouldnt even have a chance at fulfilling my dream of making music. And if it werent for Kevin I woulsd have never learned the true meaning of a best friend. Because Kevin was Sauls BEST friend. And as much as i hate to say it.....I thank you god for keeping them together. Because I dont know what one would do without the other. I will always love you guys and I promise I will make it big for the both of us saul. The day they find the person responsible for taking them will be the day I feel true hapiness again. Until then I will never feel complete. And I will only have few pictures and memories in mind to feel them by my side. R.I.P.
I LOVE YOU GUYS

[Christina Aguilera]

KEVIN IS MY SON. I WANT TO THAMK EVERYONE THAT TOOK THE TIME TO COMMENT ON HERE. AND I WANT TO SAY THAT I WILL NEVER REST UNTIL THE PATHETIC COWARDS THAT DID THIS ARE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE!! I MADE THAT PROMISE TO MY SON, ONE I INTEND TO KEEP. SO IM AM PLEADING WITH ANYONE THAT HAS INFOMATION TO PLEASE COME FORWARD, PLEASE BE THAT ONE PERSON TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. IF THESE ANIMALS CAN DO THIS TO MY SON THEN THEY CAN DO IT TO YOURS ASWELL. DONT YOU WANT THESE MAGGOTS OFF THE STREET? THEN DO SOMETHING! DONT LET THEM TAKE OVER. DONT LET THEM KILL ANYMORE INNOCENT PEOPLE. MY SON KEVIN AND HIS BEST FRIEND SAUL DID NOT DESERVE TO DIE LIKE THAT. IM ASKING FOR THE PUBLIC TO DO THE RIGHT THING...LETS ALL TAKE A STAND TOGETHER.

[Becky Sanchez]

I got a tattoo for you and Kevin. I hope you guys like it. I miss you both so much. My birthday is coming.. I know you'll be there with me <3

See you guys soon. I love you so much.

[Becky Sanchez]

Happy Birthday Saul <3

Wish you were here... but I know you and Kevin are celebrating up there..

Have a 211 for me.. :]

Love and miss you both so much <333

[CHELSEA]

I MISS YOU SAUL AND KEVIN. IM SORRY I COULDNT CELEBRATE YOUR BDAY WITH YOU SAUL BUT IM SURE YOU GUYS ARE DOIN IT BIG UP THERE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN!! I FOUND THE CD YOU LEFT ME. I KNOW YOUR SPIRIT HELPED ME FIND IT AND YOU KNOW HOTEL CALIFORNIA IS GUNNA BE A HIT!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! LISTENDING TO ALL THOSE JAMS ON THE CD REMINDS ME OF THE GOOD OL DAYS RECRODING UP AT MARVINS. ILL CHERISH THOSE DAYS FOREVER!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU FORVERE AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER!!!

[Liliana Contreras]

hi baby...its been almost 5 months. i still cant believe you're gone. i wish you were still here. i think about you everyday wishing i could still here your voice. i have saved vmails from you, but its not the same. your son is doing okay. he asks everyday for you. it makes me sad to tell him that you are with God now. saul, i love you so much, how i stress i didnt remind you enough of that when you were here. how i wish i could have told you how much you and your love means to me...how i wish i could have told you that you are the one i wanted to spend my life with. i mean you knew how much i loved you and how much you meant to me and you knew that we were going to get married, but you can never remind the person you love enough just how much you love them. i should have told you how much i loved you every second i had with you. im thankfull i got to spend almost 7 years of my life with you by your side, im thankfull i got the chance to love you for almost 7 years. and i am so eternally gratefull for our son, malachi. he is a blessing from God. God knew the plans long before we did, he sent us malachi for a reason...he knew you wanted a babbyboy...he knew how much you wanted malachi. he knew how much we wanted malachi. he blessed us both, even if you only got to enjoy him for a little bit, he knew how happy malachi would make you. and i am happy i got to be a part of that happiness. i love you soooooooo much baby.

forever yours,
Lily Garcia-Contreras

[Becky Sanchez]

LOVE YOU BOYS <33

iI'm making a video for you guys. Its done, I just want more pictures. I'll post it here when its done.

I love you, miss you, and think about you every day.

You are my inspiration <3 You keep me strong.

[Becky Sanchez]

Still think about you every day. I love you so much.

[Yaneth]

i really cant find the right words. i just want to tell you that i miss you that even though we didnt get to spend a lot of time together the little times that we did i will forever remember. your mom and sisters are doing okay, but it will never be the same with out you. your loved and missed very much.

hey i still remember how you shot a penny at my eye, and to keep me from crying you gave me a lollypop, your such a sweetheart. send me another lolly from heaven :)

i love you,
your prima yaneth

[Becky Sanchez]

You make me so happy in my dreams, Saul.

[Becky Sanchez]

Almost a year..

Doesn't hurt any less.. and never will. I miss you so much.. I still wish I could just see you and laugh with you again. I wish I would have looked for you when I knew you were around.. instead of just hoping to run into you some day.

You know what you mean to me.. and you know you'll always have a special place in my heart for only you. I love you and always will..

[alice]

My condolences to the families of these two young men. Anybody with information needs to come forward. You can do it anonymously. Block your number, go to a phone booth, go to the library and send an email. Please people, we have to start speaking up.
Mark, I see you're back with the same rhetoric.

[ismael martinez]

te extraño primo,donde quiera que estes, siempre te recordare y ya nos volberemos a ver algun dia, bueno quiero que sepas que siempre me pregunto que hubiera pasado si me hubiera quedado en los Angeles con tigo, creo que nunca lo sabre, tal ves no hubiera pasado tu trajedia,solo te nos adelantaste,pero siempre te recordamos todos.
hasta luego primo.
atte:ismael martinez

[Becky Sanchez]

One long, heartbreaking year. Still thinking of you both, every day. Love you guys <3

[Becky Sanchez]

i love and miss you saul. i think about you every single day.

[Christina]

Hey Saul.....just sitting here thinking of you and Kevin. Miss you. Give my son a hug and a kiss for me. You two try to behave. And dont be so loud. Love ya.