Jesse Ruiz, 21
Jesse Ruiz, a 21-year-old Latino man, was shot in the 200 block of South Avenue 54 in Highland Park at about 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10. Ruiz was one of six suspects involved in a home invasion robbery, said Det. Pjai Morris of LAPD's Northeast Division. An occupant living in the back of the house, who was armed, confronted the suspects and exchanged gunfire. Ruiz was hit once in the chest, then multiple times in the back. He was transported by car to Glendale Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:38 p.m. Meanwhile, LAPD detectives were notified by Glendale police that a gunshot victim had arrived by car at the hospital. The vehicle matched the description of the one used in the Highland Park home robbery, and the driver and suspects were then arrested by Glendale officers.
This is the 3rd homocide within 3 months in HLP. There is criminal intent in each. The first in November died on Aldama near Ave 61 and was probably an ex gangster (who would kill a guy going down the right path? Perhaps he was taken out by his homies for disloyalty?or did he dare to stand up to a cocky gangster one day?). The second, in late December, maybe a a gangster from a rivaling gang, shot to death on a dead end street while running for his life, Milwaukee Avenue is it? Only our beloved LAPD detectives know the true story. And the third murder, taking place in January 2008, just south of Figueroa St. on Ave 54, killed "justly" due to criminal intent to commit burglary. I can't help but feel sad for the victims who died. I grieve for their lives. If gang related, I fester with anger for those of them who were in gangs, those who dared to engage a delusional world that claims territory to gain status in society. It reeks of Mental Illness and is probably a response to economic deprivation. When will it end? When the value of education to a better future is embraced by the currently disadvantaged?
Posted by: Angelina | January 14, 2008 at 06:24 PM
This is actually the 4th murder in the Highland Park area in the past 3 months. Some guy was shot while he was in his car near Avenue 43.
Posted by: Carlos | January 17, 2008 at 04:50 PM
This is the fifth time i read this article, i was waiting for the L.A.P.D to release his name before writing anything. However i know who they were talking about.....i known Jesse Ruiz (R.I.P) for over 5 years, i wish to stay unknown. The story isnt completely true and their making it seem like Jesse was a complete criminal.....and thats not the case!!!! The owner of the house is a Big Time CRIMINAL in so many ways, and all i can say is Karma is a B$@*&, if u know what i mean. I hope the Northeast Detectives do more investigating and put the Criminal who Killed Jesse Ruiz in JAIL forever.....just like he took Jesse away from his Family Forever!!!! Jesse was a beloved Son, Husband, Father (of Two), Brother, and Dear Friend......and will be Deeply Missed!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous | January 29, 2008 at 06:12 PM
"Anonymous", doesn't being part of a home invasion robbery qualify you to be known as a major criminal?
When you commit violent crimes, no one should be surprised at your misfortune in getting killed in turn.
Posted by: Mark | January 29, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Jesse Ruiz was a Caring, Loving, Humurous Guy....im not saying he was an angel, but really who is now adays. He did do some mischievous things however so was the owners of the duplexs where he was killed.....isnt it funny now they moved out....which is good on their behalf. But its a small world everyone gets theirs someday. Hopefully the detevtives find out the owners were drug dealers as well as selling illegal firearms, and they released one of the biggest suspects w/o any charges.....its a shame. Well at least we all know Jesse Ruiz is Resting and Watching over his Family and Friends. He will be missed, and forever Loved!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous | February 12, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Anonymous,
He tried to rob someone. That person has the right to protect himself! Jesse might have been all this to you but, it sound like he died committing a crime. He showed up to do harm and then his actions got him in trouble that he couldn't handle. Does it really matter if the home owner was a criminal too? I mean a prostitue can still be raped. Your argument just doesn't make any sense, sorry.
Posted by: ME | February 13, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Jesse was the Love of my life, Father of my Children, I will always miss and Love him no matter what! People might have awful things to say about him but if u dont know him why bother, dont u have anything else better to do.....When Jesse left he took half of me that i will never have again, I am just blessed he was able to leave two parts of him behind....i will always make sure they know who their father was....i miss u babe, i cant wait till i see u again up in the sky watching over our children. Forever Missing You!!!!!
Posted by: Candace Ruiz | February 22, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Did the police ever find out who were the people that the cops say that did the robbery? How come some of you guys that know the truth you guys don't say anything? I mean this young man that the cops got (at the Glendale Hospital) maybe sentence for life because of lies.....That's boloniga. I know that the word of God says that he would bring justice.....and know this who ever is lying the Bible says the God would fight our battles and the Lord would not let this be un noticed. My prayers are with whole family of the young man that passed away and all the young man that participated also the family that from Ave54. I know the answers is JESUS!!!
Posted by: maribel | May 17, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Jesse Was a friend of mine i went to Elementary and Middle School with him! RIP Jesse!
Posted by: Miguel | October 01, 2008 at 10:49 PM