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| March 2008 »
 Maurice LeRoy Cox, a 38-year-old black man, was mortally wounded in an officer-involved shooting at about 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue in Hyde Park on Saturday, March 1.
The incident began when officers from LAPD's South Traffic Division saw a gray pickup truck speeding south on Crenshaw Boulevard. The pickup truck then crashed into a palm tree. As officers approached the truck, Cox, while reaching for the glove compartment, told officers to "move away or he would kill them," police said. Officers from LAPDs 77th Street and Southwest divisions responded to the site to assist the officers. A perimeter was set up along Slauson Avenue, while Cox remained barricaded inside his truck.
Police gave the following account of what happened next: At about 7:20 p.m., Cox exited his truck and pointed an object appearing to be a weapon at Officer Jose Campos from LAPD's 77th Street Division. Campos fired and Cox ran south and east from his truck. As he ran, Cox continued to point the object at pursuing officers from the northeast corner of Slauson Avenue. More shots were fired, then Cox ran into a bank parking lot, where he was shot and wounded by other officers. Cox was taken by paramedics to California Hospital, where he was declared dead at 8:55 p.m. Police said a cigarette lighter power adapter was recovered at the scene.
Other officers involved in the shooting were Thomas Callian, Osbaldo Ramos, Hector Ramirez and Corey Meisner. All four officers were also from LAPD's 77th Street Division, but it was unclear exactly where each officer was at the time of the shooting.
On the same evening, Alex Alonso from Street Gangs Magazine was at the scene filming the incident. According to Alonso, Cox had been involved in a hit-and-run before crashing into a palm tree. He said officers did not approach the vehicle, but via bullhorn kept instructing Cox to exit his vehicle. Alonso said officers began shooting at Cox after he backpedaled away from them. The shooting increased as Cox continued running from his truck and into the bank parking lot, where he was shot several times. Click here to read Alonso's recount of the incident and to see video footage.
Eric Dawson, a 35-year-old black man, was fatally shot at 2011 E. Alondra Blvd. in Compton about 7:15 p.m. Sunday, March. 2. According to authorities, Dawson was shot during an argument with another man. Detectives with the Sheriff's homicide bureau are investigating.
Westlake: A man was found stabbed to death at about 6:50 a.m. at 806 S. Burlington Ave. on Sunday, Feb. 24. Police and fire personnel responded to a 911 call of a man lying on the sidewalk, said spokesman Cecil Manresa of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Homicide detectives with LAPD's Rampart Division are investigating. More to come.
Jose King, a 35-year-old black man, died from a gunshot wound at about 7:04 p.m. Sunday, March 2. The location of his death was unavailable. HR is seeking further information.
Guillermo Villezcas, a 28-year-old Latino man, was stabbed to death in the 6800 block of Laurelgrove Avenue in North Hollywood on Sunday, March 2. According to a coroner's report, his time of death was listed as 1:43 a.m.
 Santos Joaquin Turcios, 42, and his son Alan Turcios, 20, both Latino, were shot multiple times at 1018 E. 73rd St. in South-Central L.A. about 12:55 a.m. Saturday, March 1. According to police, Santos and Alan were confronted by a man who pulled out a gun and began firing several shots. Both Santos and Alan were hit multiple times but managed to ask for help in the 7300 block of South Central Avenue. Paramedics pronounced Santos dead at the scene at about 1:12 a.m. Alan was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:27 a.m. The motive for the shooting is still unknown, police said.
The gunman was last seen driving southbound on Central Avenue from 73rd Street in a light blue four-door sedan with chrome rims. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide Dets. Linda Heitzman or Refugio Garza at (213) 485-1383.
 Alan Steve Turcios, 20, is the second victim in the double homicide in South-Central L.A. above.
Bunthan Roeung, 26, an Asian man, was shot at 11100 W. Hesby St. at about 1:50 a.m. Saturday, March 1. According to police, Roeung and his friends were driving along Hollywood Boulevard when they got into a verbal dispute with several men in another vehicle, described as a gray or black Chevrolet Monte Carlo with red pinstripes and "F-1 motor sports" paper plates. The men were tailgating Roeung and his friends northbound on the 101 Freeway, when a man from the vehicle fired a single gunshot at Roeung's car. Roeung, who was sitting in the rear of the car, was struck. His friends exited the freeway at Lankershim Boulevard and drove onto Hesby Street, where they called 911.
 Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded and transported Roeung to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:29 a.m. Police have put out a sketch of a possible suspect. He was described as a black man between the ages of 25 and 29 years old. He was last seen wearing a white baseball cap with a red bandanna underneath. Anyone with information can call detectives from LAPD's North Hollywood Division at (818) 623-4075.
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Isaac Lauriano, 20, a young Latino man, was shot at 854 S. Oxford Ave. in Koreatown at about 11:50 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29. Officers from LAPD's Wilshire Division responded to a report of a shooting in progress with a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, the officers discovered Lauriano and another man with gunshot wounds. Both men were transported to a local hospital, where Lauriano was pronounced dead the next day at 12:30 a.m. The other man was later released, authorities said. There is no motive for the shooting, said Officer Mike Lopez of LAPD's media relations office. A gunman is still at large. Homicide detectives from LAPD's Wilshire Division are investigating. Anyone with information about the incident can call (213) 473-0446
Sangmas Saluckait, a 45-year-old Asian man, was found stabbed to death at 7th Street and Figueroa Avenue at about 3:57 a.m. in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, March 1. Saluckait was found dead on the stairway of the Metro station, which is patrolled by deputies from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. Saluckait was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. According to Sgt. Mitch Loman of the sheriff's Homicide Bureau, Saluckait, a homeless man, was sleeping when Robess Nelson, a 68-year-old homeless black man, allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him several times. An MTA employee discovered the body early in the morning. After reviewing security videotapes, a description was sent out to law enforcement agencies around the area. Deputies later arrested Nelson at another subway station that day on suspicion of murder. There is no motive for the stabbing. "This is one of those out-of-the-blue incidents," Loman said. "But at least he's no longer on the streets where he may try to do this again," he added.
Carlos Edwin Arevalo, 22, a Latino man, was killed in an officer-involved shooting at 3411 Loosmore St. in Cypress Park at about 6: 25 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29. Police said the shooting occurred when police officers Mario Gallegos, Joshua Kniss and Jason Schwab from LAPD's Metropolitan Division were patrolling the area in an unmarked vehicle. As officers approached Pleasant View Street they saw two men, Carlos Edwin Arevalo, 22, and Moises Mora, standing behind a parked vehicle. Arevalo ran from the officers after they stopped near the two men to investigate. Schwab chased after Arevalo on foot to the rear side of the residence where the officer-involved shooting occurred. Arevalo was shot in the left side of the upper back and right hip. He was transported to County-USC hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:56 p.m. A .45 caliber pistol was recovered at the scene, police said.
Duwayne Bennett, 44-year-old black man was stabbed outside an International House of Pancakes restaurant located at 4070 Lincoln Blvd in Marina Del Rey at about 1:40 a.m. Saturday, March 1. Bennett was transported to UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:18 a.m. Officers with LAPD's Pacific Division later arrested Victor Vela, 37, on suspicion of murder. According to police, Bennett and Vela began arguing outside a bar as it was preparing to close. The argument was broken up, but escalated further after Vela followed Bennett across the street to the restaurant, where Vela allegedly struck the man with a bicycle chain, stabbed him, then fled the scene on a skateboard, according to witnesses.
Grace Razack, 58, a white woman, was found dead inside her home in the 1000 block of Easy Street in Highland Park about 9:40 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. According to authorities from LAPD's Northeast Division, the body was discovered by a friend of the family. Police said the woman died from blunt force trauma to her head. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene at about 11:49 p.m.
Update: Authorities have arrested Jehad Ramzi Razack, 25, on suspicion of murder.
Byron San Jose, 25, a Latino man, was shot and killed by a police officer at the intersection of Valerio Street and Kester Avenue in Van Nuys about 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. More details about the incident in the Los Angeles Times story.
Glen Giles, 47, a white man, was stabbed multiple times at 3005 Joaquin Drive in Burbank on Tuesday, Feb. 26. He was pronounced dead at the scene at about 10 a.m. The stabbing occurred overnight, said Sgt. Irving Travis of the Burbank Police Department. Giles ran across the street and collapsed in the front porch of a neighbor's home, Travis said. A day later, police arrested Jorge Ernesto Villalobos, 41, on suspicion of murder. Police said Villalobos had grown angry over Giles relationship with his female friend. He was arraigned on Feb. 29 at Pasadena Superior Court and faced one count of murder, said L.A County Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Mire. Bail was recommended at $1.02 million, she added.
Lamont Terrell, a 19-year-old young black man, was shot in the buttock and back near the intersection of Figueroa Street and Colden Avenue about 7:36 p.m. in South Los Angeles Monday, Feb. 25. According to police, LAPD officers with the Southeast Division responded to a radio call of shots fired near the intersection. Upon arrival, officers discovered Terrell with gunshot wounds. He was transported to California hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8 p.m.
Alicia Rivera Perez, 47, a Latina woman, was fatally shot inside her home at 14542 Rockenbach St. in Baldwin Park at about 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25. She was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, police said. According to authorities, officers with the Baldwin Police Department responded to a radio call of a shooting in progress along with gunshot victims. Upon arrival, officers encountered Roy Perez, 28, on the street armed with a handgun. He was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Authorities said Roy got into an argument with his mother and allegedly shot her. He then went to his neighbors home on a "shooting rampage," said Det. Daniel Rosenberg of the sheriff's homicide bureau. Dalmy Perez De Mata, 31, and her 4-year-old daughter, Briana De Mata, were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. De Mata's two other children, a 14-year-old youth and a 9-year-old girl, were hospitalized. The girl was listed in stable condition and the 14-year-old youth remained in critical condition. Neighbors described Roy as a little strange. More details in the Los Angeles Times story.
Dalmy Perez De Mata, 31, a Latina woman, is the second victim of the multiple homicides in Baldwin Park above.
Briana De Mata, a 4-year-old Latina girl, is the third victim of the multiple homicides in Baldwin Park above.
David Harris, a 23-year-old young black man, was shot in the chest at 103rd and Alameda streets in an unincorporated area near Watts at about 3:30 p.m Monday, Feb 25. Harris was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:03 p.m.
Ratchanok Seesura, a 28-year-old Asian woman, was stabbed to death in a domestic dispute at 10429 La Reina Avenue in Downey at about 3:25 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25. According to authorities, officers from the Downey Police Department responded to a radio call of domestic violence at the address. Upon arrival, officers discovered Seesura inside her bedroom, bleeding from multiple stab wounds. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene at about 3:45 a.m. Her 3-year-old child, who walked out of the apartment, was later found inside a neighbors apartment home, police said.
As police investigated the incident, the California Highway Patrol responded to a radio call of an accident at the Rose Hill exit off the 605 Freeway. Among the involved drivers was Kris Young Lee, 35, who lived at the same address. Police claimed that Lee confessed to a CHP officer of murdering his wife with a kitchen knife during an argument. He was hospitalized at County-USC hospital and was later arrested on suspicion of murder.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, Feb. 25 to March 3, 2008.)
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of Feb. 18-25, 2008.
Jeffrey Martinez, 29, a Latino man was fatally shot at 12309 E. Carson St. in Hawaiian Gardens at about 5:45 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Authorities said the man was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m. Detectives with the Sheriff's homicide bureau are investigating.
Benny Jr. Ferguson, 19, a young black man, was fatally stabbed in the chest at about 4:10 p.m. at 14528 S. Harris Ave. in Compton Sunday, Feb. 24, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Ferguson was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:53 p.m.
Isabella Cortes, a 2-year-old Latina toddler, died from an unknown injury. She was transported from Lompoc Health Center in Ventura county to Los Angeles hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 2:17 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department is investigating.
Victor Baltazar, 27, a Latino man, was shot in the chest at about 3 a.m. at the 5600 block of Cleon Avenue in North Hollywood Saturday, Feb. 23. According to police, Baltazar was talking with relatives outside of a home when he was allegedly confronted by Victor Santiago Sencion, 22., who challenged him to a fight. Sencion then pulled out a handgun and shot Baltazar. He was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:44 a.m. that same day. According to initial reports, Sencion was stabbed by several people at the home as they struggled to subdue him, but police could not confirm. Sencion was hospitalized and was under police custody.
 Marcos Salas, 36, a Latino man, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting near Aragon and Roseview avenues in Cypress Park at about noon Thursday, Feb. 21. Salas was holding the hand of his 2-year-old granddaughter when he was shot mulitple times by persons in a passing car, police said. The girl was not hit nor did she suffer any major injuries, authorities said.
Police gave this account of what followed: Officers from the Northeast Division pulled over a white Nissan sedan near the intersection of Drew Street and Estara avenues. Three men got out and began shooting; one of those men was Daniel Leon, 22, who was armed with an AK-47 rifle. The officers fired back, killing Leon and injuring another man; he was taken to a local hospital and was being held for allegedly killing Salas. A third suspect fled on foot, but was later found underneath a vehicle. He was arrested on suspicion of murder, authorities said. The fourth man fled in the white Nissan and is still at large. All three men were members of the Avenues gang, police said.
For more, read the Los Angeles Times story, or the update:
 R.C. Jr. Jenkins, 29, a black man, was stabbed multiple times at 17818 Lakespring Ave. in the unincorporated Lake Los Angeles area at about 11 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. According to authorities, Jenkins was accompanying his friend, Willie Nathaniel Cayne, 19, to confront his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend. At the house the men knocked on the door, then rushed in and attacked the woman's boyfriend. Jenkins was stabbed multiple times during the fight, according to L.A. County Sheriff's Department. He was pronounced dead at 11:33 p.m. by paramedics at the scene. Cayne was arrested at the home by sheriff's deputies from the Palmdale station. The woman's boyfriend was treated at the scene, but his condition was unknown.
 Daniel Leon, 22, a young latino man, was shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting at the intersection of Drew Street and Estara avenues in Glassell Park at about noon Thursday, Feb. 21. His time of death was listed as 3 p.m., according to a coroner's report. See Marcos Salas post above for further info about the incident.
Reuben Conley, a 63-year-old black man, died from blunt force trauma to the head at a nursing home in Los Angeles Wednesday Feb. 20. Cole had been assaulted by another patient from a previous nursing home. He was transferred to another local nursing home, where he died from his head injury, according to investigator Jerry McKibben of the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. His time of death was 2:38 p.m. The name of the nursing homes or location were not available. An autopsy is pending, McKibben said.
Jacinto Martinez, a 20-year-old Latino man was fatally shot at 5265 W. Havent St. Tuesday, Feb. 20 in South Bureau Homicide's jurisdiction. His time of death was listed as 11:50 p.m., according to a coroner's report.
Montecito Heights: German Garay, 31, a Latino man, was shot multiple times at 3618 N. Pasadena Ave. at about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19. He was transported by ambulance to County-USC Medical Center, where he died at 5:19 p.m. Homicide detectives with LAPD's Northeast Division are investigating the incident. More in the Los Angeles Times story.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, Feb. 18 to 25, 2008.)
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of Feb. 11 - 18, 2008.
Arthur Manchaca, 17, a Latino youth, was shot in the head at 21925 S. Claretta Ave in Hawaiian Gardens at about 10:45 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. Manchaca was taken by ambulance to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, where he died the next day at 2:30 p.m.
Carlos Castillos, 22, a young Latino man, was shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting at the intersection of Park View Street and Ocean View Avenue near MacArthur Park at about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. According to police, officers with LAPD's Rampart Division responded to a report that an armed man had tried to rob three people in separate incidents. Officers spotted Castillo near the intersection, where they pulled over, got out of their patrol car, and instructed him in English and Spanish to drop his gun. Castillo then allegedly pointed the gun at the officers and was shot once in the upper body, authorities said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:30 p.m. A gun was recovered at the scene, authorities added.
Emily Grigsby, a 19-year-old young black woman, was shot while attending a party at 5854 Pickford St. in Mid-City Los Angeles at about 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. According to police, Grigsby and a 17-year-old black youth were standing outside when a black man walked up and shot them both. Grigsby was transported to a local hospital, where she died at 11:54 p.m. The 17-year-old youth was listed in stable condition, according to Officer Mike Lopez of LAPD's media relations office. The motive for the shooting is still unclear, Lopez added.
Eileen Nicole Ponce-Orta, a 22-year-old Latina woman, was found stabbed to death inside her Plymouth Voyager in the 400 block of Civic Center Plaza in Pomona at about 10:58 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15. Pomona police initially said that a parking enforcement officer had discovered the body after receiving a call of an illegally parked vehicle. It was later learned by a Times staff writer that family members had instead discovered the body under some blankets in the backseat of the minivan. Orta had been reported missing earlier in the week to the Covina Police Department. More in the Los Angeles Times story
Steve Garcia, 26, a Latino man, was shot and killed while sitting inside his car at 2791 Carillon St. in Atwater Village at about 2:43 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15. According to police, Garcia and a woman were sitting inside the car when a suspect or suspects approached the vehicle and fired several shots. Garcia was hit multiple times and the woman was hit in the arm, said Officer Richard French of LAPD's media relations office. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was hospitalized and in stable condition, French said. The suspect or suspects may have fled in a Toyota Corolla, police said.
Rafael Rodriguez, a 34-year-old man, was stabbed during a fight at 8722 Fontana St. in Downey on Thursday, Feb. 14. He was taken to Downey Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead the following day at 5:20 a.m. According to authorities, officers from the Downey Police Department responded to a report of a patient with stab wounds at the hospital. Officers then learned that the patient, Rodriguez, had been stabbed multiple times during a fight. Shortly after midnight, Feb. 16, homicide detectives arrested two Latino brothers: Brian Olguin, 31, and Jon Olguin, 33, on suspicion of murder. It was unclear what the men were fighting about, said police assistant Alicia Perez.
Jorge Rosas Jr., a 28-year-old Latino man, was fatally shot near the intersection of 48th Street and Compton Boulevard in South-Central Los Angeles on Thursday, Feb. 14. His time of death was listed as 10:30 a.m., according to a coroner's report.
Gerardo Canenguez, 19, a young Latino man, was shot in the face while riding his bicycle near the intersection of Wilton Place and Clinton Street in the Hancock Park area Thursday, Feb. 14. He was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where was pronounced dead that same day at 11:49 a.m. The shooting appears to be gang-related, police said. Homicide detectives with LAPD's Hollywood Division are investigating.
 Alfonso Arzola, a 30-year-old Latino man, was shot multiple times at 2950 Fifth Ave. in Jefferson Park Tuesday, Feb. 12. According to a coroner's report, his time of death was listed as 12:20 a.m. that day.
Arzola worked as a security guard at the Hacienda Hotel in El Segundo. He was popular among staff and would find ways to help in any way he could, said Phil White, vice president & assistant general manager. "We are sorely going to miss him," he said.
Craig Cooper, a 53-year-old black man, was killed in a drive-by shooting at 1926 W. Jefferson Blvd in Jefferson Park at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. According to police, Cooper was walking on the sidewalk when a white vehicle heading eastbound on Jefferson Boulevard pulled up next to him. Someone inside opened fire, striking Cooper several times. The car continued east, then headed north on St. Andrews Place. Cooper was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:08 p.m. Anyone with information can call (213) 485-1383.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, Feb. 11 to 18, 2008.)
An arrest was made in about 41% of all murders committed in Los Angeles County in 2007, according to data collected by the Homicide Report.
The total rises to about 46% when only cases from the first six months of 2007 are considered; presumably, some homicides from the second half of the year may need only weeks or months of further investigation to be resolved.
The HR analysis shows that there was virtually no difference in success rates overall in 2007 between the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
 Although these two agencies--both among the largest in the country--follow very different models in investigating homicides, both agencies had arrested suspects in about 40% of all homicide cases by year’s end. The finding suggests that the problems involved in catching and jailing killers may be bigger than the police. Community attitudes and behaviors and prosecutors’ thresholds for filing homicide charges may have more to do with whether murderers end up behind bars than any particular law-enforcement model.
The data also showed that solve rates varied across geographic and demographic lines.
For example, detectives in the three highest-homicide precincts of the Los Angeles Police Department in South Los Angeles had arrested suspects in 38% of cases from the first six months of 2007, a significantly lower rate than in the county overall. This is consistent with past years' trends and is a reflection, at least in part, of the greater difficulty of solving cases in high-crime environments where many people are afraid of testifying against gang members in court, and detective caseloads are higher.
Detectives in LAPD’s Southwest Division, for example, a high-homicide precinct covering the Exposition Park and Jefferson Park areas, had 75% higher caseloads than detectives in LAPD’s West Los Angeles and Devonshire divisions in 2007. Southwest detectives handled an average of more than 10 cases per detective pair in 2007; West L.A. and Devonshire detectives handled the equivalent of about six cases per pair.
Sheriff’s homicide detectives also carried relatively high caseloads in 2007—at least nine homicide cases per detective pair, not including the injury-only police shootings those detectives also investigate.
The rate of arresting suspects was lowest for cases in which black people were victims. Countywide, suspects had been arrested in 38% of cases in which blacks were victims, versus 42% for Latinos and 54% for whites.
There are many different ways to calculate solve rates, or clearance rates, for homicide. While this analysis considers only homicide cases resolved by an arrest, an additional portion of cases involve investigations that are concluded without an arrest, usually because there was some impediment to prosecuting a known suspect.
If these so-called “cleared other” cases are considered together with those resolved by arrests, the countywide solve rate for 2007 rises to about 45%, and 49% if only the first six months of 2007 are considered.
Continue reading "How many 2007 homicides were solved?" »
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of Feb. 4 - 11, 2008.
Jose Lopez, a 20-year-old young Latino man, was stabbed outside his mobile home at 402 E. Foothill Blvd. in Pomona at about 6:05 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. According to police, officers responded to a radio call of a stabbing outside a home. Upon arrival, officers discovered Lopez with multiple stab wounds. He was treated by fire personnel, then airlifted to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:57 a.m. Officers at the scene later learned that a suspect was still in the area. Shortly after, police arrested Sergio Guardado, a 27-year-old Latino man, on suspicion of murder. A weapon was recovered at the scene, authorities said.
Arturo Rodriguez, a 27-year-old Latino man, was fatally shot in the 900 block of Ericksen Drive in Pomona at about 9:25 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. A coroner's report listed his time of death as 9:35 p.m. According to police, officers with the Pomona Police Department were driving near the intersection of Orange Grove and Glen avenues when they heard gunfire. Soon after, two armed men with handguns were seen running west on Orange Grove Avenue. Officers chased after the men on foot. At the same time 911 dispatchers were receiving reports of shots fired at Ericksen Drive, a residential street off Orange Grove Avenue. Officers responded to the location and discovered Rodriguez with gunshot wounds. A perimeter was later set up with the assistance of officers from La Verne and Ontario police, as well as Sheriff deputies from L.A. and San Bernardino. The search was called off after four hours, police said. The suspects are still at large, police said.
Pedro Morales, 23, a young Latino man, was shot multiple times at 433 S. Union Drive at about 1:50 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. Morales was transported by ambulance to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:11 p.m. According to police, Morales was walking on Union Drive when a white four-door car pulled over to the side of the street. A Latino man exited the car and confronted Morales. The two men were arguing when Morales bolted and ran. The suspect pulled out a gun as he chased after him, then fired several shots, hitting Morales multiple times. Police said the man fled in the same four-door vehicle.
Alfredo Avina, 27, a Latino man, was shot multiple times in the 800 block of Hyde Avenue in Pomona at about 3:22 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. According to Pomona Police Department, Avina was standing in his driveway when another man approached and shot him. He was declared dead at the scene by L.A. County fire personnel. Police said the motive is still unclear.
This was the first homicide reported this year in Pomona -- the fifth-largest city in L.A. County, according to the California Department of Finance.
Two more homicides, at least three hours apart from one another, followed Avina's death Sunday.
See posts above.
 Steven Clark, a 27-year-old Samoan man, was stabbed in the neck in a parking lot at 5214 W. Sunset Blvd shortly at about 12:25 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. Clark was transported to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:55 a.m. Two other men were also injured in the incident and were taken to the same hospital, where they were listed as in stable condition, police said.
Gerardo Salazar, 22, a young Latino man, was shot in the head at 5105 Katrina Place in Palmdale at about 1 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Salazar was declared dead at the scene. His time of death was listed as 1:27 a.m., according to a coroner's report.
Alfredo Amparan, 36, a Latino man, was shot in the neck and killed in the 7300 block of Hinds Avenue in North Hollywood at about 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Officers with LAPD's North Hollywood Division responded to a radio call of shots-fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Amparan. He was transported by ambulance to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:32 p.m.. According to police, Amparan was standing on the corner of Hinds Avenue when a suspect or suspects approached and shot him. Detectives have not determined the motive for the shooting, police said.
Anyone with information can call (818) 623-4075.
Joe Beck, a 17-year-old black youth, was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt in the 1200 block of 104th Street in Watts at about 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. According to police, Beck was hiding behind a pole in a back alley when he jumped out and demanded money from a man who was backing his car out of the garage. The driver drew a handgun and shot Beck, who was transported to St. Francis hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m. Homicide detectives with LAPD's Southeast Division are investigating the shooting and whether Beck is tied to a string of other robberies in the area.
Aaron Mesa, 27, a Latino man, was shot to death while sitting in his car at 226 S. Bandy Ave. in West Covina at about 11:40 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. Officers with the West Covina Police Department responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Mesa. He had been shot multiple times, said West Covina police Lt. Marcos Plebani.
Anyone with information about the incident can call (626) 939-8557.
David Rodriguez, a 19-year-old young Latino man, was fatally shot in the 200 block of West 52nd Place in South L.A. at about 11:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. According to police, the suspected shooter pulled out a gun during an argument with Rodriguez and another Latino man at a party. Both men were shot, then taken to a local hospital, where Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 11:53 p.m. The other man was listed in stable condition. Homicide detectives with LAPD's Newton Division are investigating.
Antwan Cole, a 19-year-old young black man, was shot multiple times at the intersection of Main and 135th streets in Athens at about 11:23 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. Sheriff's deputies responded to a radio call of shots fired. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Cole with gunshot wounds. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:24 a.m.
Michel Dumitriu, a 50-year-old white man, was fatally stabbed during a brawl outside a bar in the 100 block of Rose Avenue in Venice at about 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division responded to a radio call of assault with a deadly weapon. Upon arrival, officers discovered the Dumitriu lying on the sidewalk. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Shortly after, officers were dispatched to Santa Monica hospital to investigate a patient with stab wounds. Authorities said that the detectives concluded that the patient was linked to the stabbing incident. Police later arrested Daniel Chavez, 32, a Latino man, on suspicion of murder. Chavez remains in custody at the hospital, police added.
Juan Llanos, a 31-year-old Latino man, was killed in a drive-by shooting in the 12800 block of San Pedro Street in Athens at about 9:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. Llanos was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he died at 9:38 p.m. According to sheriff's homicide detectives, Llanos was standing on the sidewalk when two black men in a dark compact car pulled alongside him and shot him. The car drove north on San Pedro Street.
Jose Juarez Jr., a 14-year-old Latino youth, was shot in the chest at the intersection of Merced Street and Aragon Avenue in Cypress Park on Friday, Feb. 8. His time of death was listed as 2:28 p.m., according to a coroner's report. HR is seeking more information.
Ariel Perez, 21, a young Latino man, was fatally shot in an apparent home invasion at 250 W. Seaside Way in Long Beach at about 4:38 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. Officers with the Long Beach Police Department responded to a 911 call at the complex. Upon arrival, officers discovered Perez with gunshot wounds; he was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. According to police, a condo complex resident, 26, was inside his home when he discovered someone trying to break in through the window. The resident dialed 911, armed himself, then fired several shots, later telling police he feared for his life, authorities said. Long Beach police detectives are investigating.
Update: The Los Angeles Police Department has identified the condominium resident as Officer Rodney Williams, 26. According to authorities, Williams was off duty and in his home when he was awakened by someone trying to break in. Williams left his room to retrieve his weapon and upon returning confronted Perez and shot him several times, authorities claimed. The investigation about the shooting is now being handled by LAPD"s Force Investigation Division, which is responsible for the investigation of all incidents involving the use of deadly force by an LAPD officer.
 Darlene Lamb, 38, a black woman, was stabbed to death inside her apartment at 15610 Nuanu Ave. in Gardena on Friday, Feb. 8. Gardena police officers received a radio call about a woman found dead inside her apartment. Upon arrival, officers discovered Lamb had been stabbed several times in the stomach. Her time of death was listed as 10 a.m., according to a coroner's report. A man, who is also a resident of the apartment, is being questioned by detectives about the incident. He was arrested on unrelated warrants, police said.
 Edwin Rivera, 20, a young Latino man, was shot and killed by a sniper in a police standoff at 19828 Welby Way in Winnetka shortly after 5 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7. According to police, Edwin has been identified as the suspected shooter in the killing of his father, Gerardo Rivera, 54, and two brothers, Endi Rivera, 25, and Edgar Rivera, 21. All three were declared dead at the scene, police said. In addition, Edwin allegedly shot two veteran SWAT officers, killing Officer Randal Simmons, 51, and critically injuring Officer James Veenstra, 51, who is recovering from surgery at Northridge Medical Center.
At a news conference Friday, Deputy Chief Gary Brennan said Edwin was experiencing mental health problems, which became "progressively worse" after the death of his mother when he was 10 or 11 years old. His mother had died of cancer, KCAL 9 reported. Police said Edwin was not a gang member, although he had a juvenile criminal record that included three convictions. The most serious came in 2004, when he was found guilty of assault with a firearm and sentenced to probation for pointing an unloaded gun at other men during an argument, police said. Between 2005 and 2006, police responded to minor disturbances at the house. In one incident two years ago, there was a drive-by shooting near the residence, but police said Edwin was not involved.
A blaze had started when tear-gas canisters were fired into the house to flush Edwin out. A police sniper fatally shot Edwin as he came out of the burning home, still shooting. For more, check out the Los Angeles Times story:
Click on the headings below to read more about the incident:
LAPD deeply shaken by nightlong siege
Shooter's family expresses grief and surprise
Officer saw his work as a calling
Click on the jump to read about another standoff in Cerritos.
Continue reading "Edwin Rivera, 20" »
 Randal Simmons, a 51-year-old black man and a veteran of LAPD's SWAT unit, was shot during a standoff with an armed suspect at 19828 Welby Way in Winnetka at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. Simmons was taken to Northridge Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 1 a.m. Simmons was one of of four people killed by a gunman. According to police, a man called 911 at about 9 p.m. Wednesday night and said he had killed three of his family members. Officers with LAPD's West Valley Division called in the SWAT unit after the man refused to come out of the home. At about 12:30 a.m. SWAT officers broke through the front door, gunfire was exchanged and Simmons and another veteran officer were shot. The second officer was taken to the hospital, where he is listed in stable condition, police said.
According to assistant police Chief James McDonnell, Simmons is survived by his wife, two children; son and daughter, and parents. Simmons' death is the first in the 27-year history of the SWAT unit, McDonnell said. For more on the incident see the Los Angeles Times Story.
More on Simmons in Jill Leovy's story
 Edgar Rivera, a 21-year-old young Latino man, is the third victim in the multiple homicides in Winnetka listed above.
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 Endi Rivera, 25, a Latino man, is the second victim in the multiple homicides in Winnetka listed above.
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 Gerardo Rivera, a 54-year-old Latino man, was shot to death at home in the 19828 Welby Way in Winnetka at about 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6. According to police, Gerardo was shot in the bathroom by his son, Edwin Rivera, 20. He was declared dead at the scene and is one of two family members killed inside the house, police said. According to relatives, Gerardo and his wife had migrated from El Salvador about 25 years ago. The couple had four children, all U.S. citizens. After his wife's death eight years ago, Gerardo began dating another woman. Relatives said it had caused some friction in the family and may have contributed to the shooting. For more, see post above to recap the standoff between Edwin and police.
Benjamin Deleon Jr., 28, a Latino man, was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting at 4064 Sterling Way in Baldwin Park at about 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5. Deleon was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:53 a.m.
A 30-year-old Latino man was killed in a drive-by shooting at 4876 W. Adams Blvd in South Los Angeles at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5. Police said the man was panhandling when a light-colored vehicle drove by and someone from inside shot him. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
Anyone with information about the incident can call (213) 485-1383
David Rosas, 23, a young Latino man, was shot and killed at 6257 Atlantic Ave. in Bell at about 5:48 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4. According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, the man was transported by ambulance to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m.
Continue reading "David Rosas, 23" »
Joe Alvizar, 18, a young Latino man, was shot in the face at 1317 E. 62nd Street in Florence at about 11:11 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. According to authorities, Alvizar was standing outside when a 1990s blue Chevrolet Silverado truck pulled alongside him. Words were exchanged between Alvizar and one of two Latino men inside the truck, then Alvizar was shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The shooting is believe to be gang related, according to detectives of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau.
Ana Acosta, a 32-year-old Latina woman, was shot multiple times while sitting in her vehicle in the 500 block of South Russell Avenue in Monterey Park at about 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4. According to the Sheriff's Department, Acosta was talking to a man while her vehicle was parked in the middle of the street. Shots were fired and Acosta's vehicle traveled a short distance before crashing into a parked vehicle. Paramedics declared her dead at the scene. The man was last seen driving southbound on South Russell Avenue in a dark sedan, authorities said. More details on incident in the Los Angeles Times story.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, Feb. 4 - 11, 2008.)
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of Jan. 28 - Feb. 3, 2008.
Fernando Trujillo, a 28-year-old Latino man, was shot in the neck in a drive-by shooting at 1200 S. Gramercy Place in the Country Club Park area at about 9:20 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2. Trujillo was taken to a local hospital, where he was declared dead at 5:05 a.m. the next day, Feb. 3. The shooting was gang-related, said Officer Kate Lopez of LAPD's media relations office. Detectives with LAPD's Wilshire Division are investigating.
Jeremy Mancera, a 19-year-old Latino man, was shot at 41725 170th St. in Lake Los Angeles at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3. Detectives with the sheriff's homicide bureau said Mancera had called friends and told them that he was being chased by three Latino men in a brown truck. Mancera was later found in the back seat of his car with gunshot wounds by friends who had gone to the location, authorities said. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died at 5:05 p.m.
Soon Lim, 35, a Korean man, died from blunt force trauma to the head near the intersection of South Gramercy Place and 9th Street in Koreatown on Sunday, Feb. 3. A coroner's report listed his time of death as 2:30 p.m. Homicide detectives with LAPD's Wilshire Division are investigating.
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Maurice LeRoy Cox, a 38-year-old black man, was mortally wounded in an officer-involved shooting at about 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue in Hyde Park on Saturday, March 1. 
