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Tyler Pick, a 5-year-old, and his grandmother Janell Stern, 62, a white woman, were shot and killed in a murder-suicide at 1921 230th St. about 8:20 p.m Monday, April 28.
According to Torrance police officials, Steven M. Pick, 42, a white man, had returned home eight hours after he was told by police to leave his family's residence. Police said when Pick returned to his home, he fatally shot his 5-year-old son, his mother-in-law, Janell Stern, and his wife. Authorities then said Pick killed himself. See L.A. Times story
Alejandro Diaz, 56, a Latino man, was fatally shot in the 111 E. Compton Blvd in Compton about 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 28. He was taken to County USC-Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
The shooting occurred at a bus stop near the Compton Metro Blue Line station. There were about 30 people at the bus stop, said Det. Abe Brown of the sheriff's homicide bureau. Brown said the suspect pulled out a handgun and began shooting at a young black man wearing blue "pajama-type" pants, Brown said. Diaz was fatally hit in the back, according to a coroner report. Diaz was a mechanic on his way home from work, Brown said.
The black man was shot in the stomach. Another man was shot in the leg. Both men were taken to hospitals, and their wounds were not considered life-threatening, according to Brown.
Brown described the gunman as a black man in his early 20s with shoulder-length braids who was 5 feet 10 or 5 feet 11. Anyone with information is asked to call Brown at (323) 890-5500.
Janell Stern, 62, a white woman, is the second victim of the murder-suicide listed above.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, April 28 - May 5, 2008.)
South Pasadena: An Asian man and woman were found dead in their home in the 1600 block of Huntington Drive in South Pasadena about 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Authorities have not released additional information about the shooting. More soon.
Lancaster: A black man was stabbed to death in the 44900 block of 5th Street East in Lancaster about 11 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Detectives with the sheriff's homicide bureau are investigating.
 Shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, family members of Hernan Cardona, 60, walked into the conference room of the LAPD's Wilshire Division and sat on hard cushion chairs. They listened to Police Capt. Evangelyn Nathan as she recounted the events of the night their father was killed outside an Auto Zone at 1905 S. Western Ave. in Arlington Heights on Friday, April 18.
"Two men ambushed Mr. Cardona," Nathan said. "They pulled out pistols and fired." Cardona fired back, she said. Cardona, below left, was hit multiple times as he went to the aide of a wounded bystander. According to detectives, the bystander who was wounded fled after the shooting.
 "We'd like for him to come forward," said Det. Kurt Wong. "We need to speak with him to see if he has information that will help us identify and convict the suspects." Authorities said there was still no motive for the shooting. Descriptions of the two suspects were also released at the conference. Nathan said the first suspect was a black man, thin and between the ages of 18 and 25. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, basketball shorts and blue sneakers. "We have a composite sketch on that suspect," Nathan said. The second suspect was a black man, thin and between the ages of 18 and 25. She said he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.
Authorities are also looking for a third suspect, who was believed to be the driver of a dark-colored SUV that was waiting around the corner from the store.
Cardona's wife, Martha Ramirez, 55, and his oldest son, Wilfredo, 34, kept their heads down throughout the conference, occasionally looking at Nathan as she spoke.
 City Councilman Herb Wesson announced a $50,000 reward approved by the L.A. City Council for information leading to the identification and capture of the two gunmen. He said St. Moritz Security Services Inc., the firm where Cardona worked, has offered $5,000, bringing the total reward to $55,000. "We have a moral responsibility to catch these guys," Wesson said. "The city owes this man because he risked his life."
Wilfredo Cardona pleaded with the public. "I just wanted to tell anyone, any witnesses, we have to stop these guys," he said. "If we don't stop them tomorrow, it could be you." At the end of the conference, Wilfredo hugged the councilman. "We're going to catch them," Wesson whispered. Wilfredo then broke down. He was escorted out as investigators showed two short clips of a surveillance video. Wilfredo's 3-year-old daughter ran after her father. "Papi, papi" she yelled. A relative tried holding her back, but she screamed, broke lose and ran to her dad.
Los Angeles: Roberry Homicide detectives are asking for assistance in the capture of Frank Shano Siganoff, 24, a white man, for the murder of Rose Marco, 57. Siganoff is pictu red at the bottom right.
Police said Siganoff walked into a fortune-telling business at 5324 Sunset Blvd. on Sept. 3 of last year and allegedly threw a lighted molotov cocktail inside. Marco, who lived and worked inside the building, was burned alive as flames engulfed the business. Investigators said the motive for the killing was related to an ongoing dispute between two families within the Hollywood Gypsy community.
Siganoff is described as having brown hair, blue eyes and stands 6 feet 3 inches tall. His face is heavily scarred with acne, authorities said. According to police, Siganoff had left the state but was last seen walking in the Hollywood area. Authorities said he details cars and works at car washes to earn money.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest. Investigators also remind the public that he is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Should anyone have information about Siganoff's whereabouts they should contact Robbery Homicide Dets. Mike Oppelt or Al Aldaz at (213) 785-2531.
*Update: Authorities said Siganoff has turned himself in at the Maricopa County Sheriff's facility in Phoenix, Ariz., Wednesday, April 30. He remains in custody in Arizona, pending his return to Los Angeles next week, police said.
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of April 21-28, 2008
Alexander Trejo, a 43-year-old Latino man, was shot several times at 726 N. Foxworth Ave. near Valinda about 6 p.m. Monday, April 28. According to L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Trejo was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:02 p.m.
 Jonathan Vega-Plascencia, a 20-year-old Latino man and Brenda Aguilera, a 21-year-old Latina woman, pictured left, were shot while sitting in a parked car at the intersection of 48th and Wall streets in South Los Angeles about 11 p.m. Sunday, April 27. According to Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman Ana Aguirre, a vehicle pulled alongside the parked car and someone inside the vehicle began shooting. Aguilera was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. According to a coroner's report, Aguilera turned 21on Tuesday, April 22. Vega, who turned 20 last month, was taken to a local hospital, where he died, Aguirre said. She said three women sitting on a porch nearby were also wounded by gunfire. They were taken to local hospitals, where they are recovering. The motive for the shooting is unknown, authorities said.
Albert Elvira, 16, a Latino youth, was shot and left mortally wounded in the 31000 block of Chaucer Street in Cypress Park about 7:20 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Homicide Det. Jose Carillo of LAPD's Northeast Division said Elvira was approached by gang members and was shot mutliple times. He was taken to County-USC Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 8:10 p.m. that evening, according to a coroner's report. Elvira was a student at Eagle Rock High School, Carillo said,
Jonathan Vega-Plascencia, 20, a young Latino man, is the second victim of the homicide listed above.
 Gouram Wallace Jr., 39, a black man, was found dead inside an apartment building in the 7800 block of South Figueroa Street in South-Central Los Angeles about 8:45 a.m. Sunday, April 27.
According to police, a resident found Wallace lying at the bottom of the stairs and called paramedics, police said. Medical personnel with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and discovered that Wallace had been shot multiple times, authorities said. Police said several residents said they heard gunshots about 2 a.m., but no one reported it to police. Wallace lived nearby in the area, and there are no records suggesting he had any major criminal involvement.
 Jason Marquez, a 19-year-old Latino young man was shot and killed at 4968 Axtell Street in El Sereno about 2:50 a.m. Sunday, April 27.
He was standing in a friend's front yard with a young man and a young woman when a white car pulled up, and four people got out, all of them armed, said Det. Jacob Dugger of LAPD's Hollenbeck Division. Without a word, the four began shooting. Marquez was mortally wounded, and pronounced dead later at a local hospital. The young man with him was grazed by a bullet across his mid-section, and was treated at a hospital and released. The young woman was unhurt.
Dugger said investigators believed a gang or drug-related dispute may have prompted the shooting. Marquez, a student at Wilson High, had no criminal record.--Jill Leovy/LAT
 Troy Green Jr., 23, a black young man, was shot and killed at the intersection of 75th Street and Parmelee Avenue in an unincorporated area of Florence about 9:50 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
No one reported the shooting when it happened. Later, someone found Green's dead body on the street and called 911. According to L.A. County Sheriff's Det. Robert Harris, a Latino man walked up to Green, who was on foot, shot him, then fled.
 Green was homeless and had recently moved from Clearwater, Fla. He was a paranoid schizophrenic whose symptons had surfaced only a few years before, Harris said. He had a partner and child in Florida, pictured at right. But with the onset of his illness, he had begun to wander. His family begged him to come home. Instead, he made his way to Los Angeles with a companion for unknown reasons, arriving here in February.
Green is typical of many mentally-ill murder victims. Living on the streets, or in group homes, they are exceptionally vulnerable to homicide. Exposed to some of society's most dangerous people, they have little means of protecting themselves, and their erratic behavior sometimes provokes violent responses--something which may have occurred in Green's case, said Harris. Harris described Green's family as devastated. Anyone with information is asked to call Sheriff's Homicide: (323)890-5500. --Jill Leovy/LAT
Marvin Sanchez, 30, a Latino man, was shot to death by a store clerk during an attempted robbery about 2:30 p.m. in Pacoima Saturday, April 26. According to police, Sanchez walked into the Del Gaudio mini market at 10567 San Fernando Road, pulled out a handgun and demanded money. Police said the clerk shot him, and paramedics later found him dead on the sidewalk. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Foothill Dets. Joshua Byers and Jose Martinez (818) 834-3115.
 Bobby Williams, 30, a black man, was shot and killed in the 1406 East Alondra Boulevard in Compton about 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
Williams sold T-shirts and CD's in front of the liquor store at this address. He was standing on the sidewalk when a younger black man walked to him. The younger man was 18 to 20 years old, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. He and Williams exchanged words, then the younger man pulled out a gun and shot Williams several times, said Lt. Liam Gallagher of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:16 p.m.
The crime happened in daylight. Several people saw it. But few have come forward as witnesses.--Jill Leovy/LAT
 Oscar Antonio Escobar, 21, a Latino man, was shot and mortally wounded at the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Hobart Boulevard in Hollywood about 11:20 p.m. Friday, April 25. Escobar was taken to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m. the next day, according to authorities. Police said Escobar was on his way home, carrying take-out food for his family, when he was shot by two Latino men. The men were seen fleeing in a '90s black Honda Accord, said Police Spokeswoman Kate Lopez. According to Det. Wendi Bernt of LAPD's Hollywood homicide unit, Escobar was killed by gang members who were driving around Hollywood looking for a random victim.
Family said Escobar was talking to his cousin on the cell phone before the shooting happened. Escobar said he was being followed by a group of men in a car and that they had said something, drove ahead him, parked and waited, his cousin, William Laso, 30, recalled. When the phone call cut out, Laso called Escobar's girlfriend, Erika Lino, 21, saying he feared something bad had happened to her partner. She ran outside and saw yellow police tape a block away. By the time Lino reached the corner, paramedics already had taken Escobar away. He died a few minutes at the hospital after midnight on Saturday, April 26, according to a coroner's report. 
Lino said now, she stays away from the apartment they shared. "I constantly keep thinking that he's going to show up," said Lino, who is living mostly at her mother's apartment home.
Family members described Escobar as an honest man and a hard worker. He migrated from El Salvador three years ago, Lino said, and worked in construction in California and Houston.
He loved soccer; the last time Escobar's uncle Jose Mario Escobar, 36, saw him was at the international soccer game between El Salvador and China at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Escobar's uncle said he recorded parts of the game on his cell phone. "Had I known that was going to be the last time...to see him, I would have instead recorded him all night," the uncle said.
 Family members said Escobar planned on staying in the U.S. for two more years, then wanted to build a home in El Salvador with his father and brother. Lino said she would like to go back to El Salvador, because that is what Escobar wanted, but, she said, her daughters have a better future here.
"They cut my nephew's life short," said the uncle. "You come to this country in search of a better life only to lose it."
Anyone with information can call Hollywood Homicide Detectives Rolando Rodriguez at (213) 972-2910 or Larry Cameron at (213) 972-2913
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Richard Vera, 21, was shot and killed in an alley in the 1300 block of Parade Street in Long Beach about 4:15 p.m. Thursday, April 24. According to Long Beach Beach Police, officers responded to a call of a deceased male adult in an alley. Vera had been shot in the upper torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Anyone with information about the shooting can call Homicide Detectives Russ Moss or Teri Hubert at (562) 570-7244.
Rendell Woods, a 24-year-old black man, was shot and killed at 1471 E. 109th St. The coroner listed his time of death as 12:22 p.m. Thursday, April 24.
Charles Corley, 31, was shot and mortally wounded outside his apartment in the 3200 block of West 60th Street in South-Central L.A. about 4:15 a.m. Saturday, April 19. According to police, a tan Toyota Corolla drove by and someone inside fired multiple gunshots at Corley. He was hit several times and collapsed on the street, police said. Corley was taken to a local hospital by ambulance. He remained on life-support systems until 12:53 p.m Wednesday, April 23. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call South Bureau Homicide Detectives Bill Ritch or Betha Durazo at (213) 485-1383.
Reginald Wilson, 44, a black man was stabbed to death during a domestic dispute in the 5200 block of Van Ness Avenue in South Los Angeles about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23. According to authorities, Wilson was arguing with his girlfriend, Elizabeth Shields, 52, a black woman, at home when she picked up a steak knife and stabbed Wilson in the chest. Wilson was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Shields was later arrested and charged with murder, authorities said.
Roberto Rodriguez, 39, a Latino man, was shot and killed near 1056 N. Cummings St. in Boyle Heights Tuesday, April 22. The coroner listed the time of death as 11:52 p.m. Homicide detectives from LAPD's Hollenbeck Division are investigating.
Marco Corona, a 31-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed in the 3800 block of Hammel Street in East Los Angeles about 10:56 p.m. Tuesday. According to Deputy Denise Fuchs of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Corona was walking westbound on Hammel Street when a person believed to be a Latino gang member shot him. Corona was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics at 11:04 p.m.
Elaine Garza, 41, a Latina woman, was shot and killed in the 12000 block of Valley Boulevard in El Monte about 2:26 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. According Deputy Luis Castro, officers from the El Monte Police Department responded to a call of a gunshot victim at the Five Points Plaza parking lot and found Garza with multiple wounds. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead 3:04 p.m. Witnesses told officers that the suspected shooter ran into the nearby motel. He was later detained as a "person of interest" by police officers. Authorities said he possessed a gun of the same caliber as the bullet casings found at the crime scene. The L.A. County Coroner Department also identified Elaine Garza as Elaine Flores.
 Marco Antonio Parra, 36, a Latino man, was killed in a drive-by shooting at 6824 Albany St. in Huntington Park on Tuesday, April 22. Detectives from the sheriff's homicide bureau are investigating. More soon.
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 Jorge Vazquez Baez, 41, a Latino man, was stabbed in the 10000 block of Garvey Avenue in El Monte about 12:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 22. According to Denise Fuchs of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, officers from the El Monte Police Department responded to a call of a man down. Upon arrival, officers found the man suffering from stab wounds. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Victor Cruz, a 22-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed in front of his home in the 45000 block of 185th Street East in Lake Los Angeles about 6:25 p.m. Monday, April 21. Authorities said Cruz was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:57 p.m.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, April 21-28, 2008.)
For an up-to-date map of homicide locations, click here.
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of April 14-20, 2008
 David Gallegos, 32 and Rigoberto Vega, 23, both Latino men were killed in a drive-by shooting in the 600 block of North Alameda Street in Compton Sunday, April 20. According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, deputies from the Sheriff's Compton Station responded to a radio call of shots fired. Upon arrival, deputies found Gallegos and Vega with gunshot wounds. Gallegos was in a wheelchair, authorities said. According to Lt. Dan Rosenberg, the two men were heading down the sidewalk when a car stopped, and some men got out and began shooting at them. After the shooting, deputies found a silver Ford Mustang in the 2000 block of 127th Street that witnesses say was used in the shooting.
Investigators began serving search warrants in the neighborhood and Andrew Lemus, 19, of Compton turned himself in to investigators later that Sunday. He was arrested on suspicion of murder, authorities said. Los Angeles Times story. Below, left, family members wait for detectives as they investigate the shooting.
Rigoberto Vega, 23, a Latino man, is the second homicide victim listed above.
Heriberto Osorio, 19, a Latino man and a friend were shot in a drive-by shooting after leaving a party in the 500 block North Oxford Avenue in Hollywood shortly after midnight Sunday, April 20. LAPD spokesman Jason Lee said Jordy Ochoa, 19, Aaron Smith, 19, and Sharlette Mejia, 21, were later arrested on suspicion of murder. Lee said Ochoa's bail has been set at $2 million. He said Ochoa is the alleged gunman. Smith and Mejia's bail has been set at $1 million each.
According to Lee, Osorio and his friend were at a quinceanera celebration when they got into an argument with Ochoa and his friends. As Osorio and his friend were leaving the party, Ochoa allegedly shot the two men from a car, Lee said. Officers from LAPD's Hollywood Division arrived at the house and found the men with gunshot wounds. Osorio was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His friend was also hospitalized but was later released.
Mazei Tehrani, 29, a white man, was killed in what police allege was a deliberate hit and run in the 700 block of Delco Avenue in Winnetka about 1 a.m. Sunday, April 20. Tehrani was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:51 a.m.
Los Angeles police gave this account of events: An argument at a house party escalated into a fight in the street. Police said Marquis DeJon Jiles, 25, a Northridge resident, got into his friend's 2006 Toyota Scion and drove away. Jiles then made a U-turn and allegedly ran over a group of people who were standing in the street before crashing into a tree in a neighbor's front yard. According to witnesses, Jiles then got out of the car and ran off but was later apprehended a short distance away and arrested on suspicion of murder.
Carl Serda, 23, a young Latino man, was shot in the 1400 block of South Downey Road in East Los Angelest about 10:08 p.m., Saturday, April 19. According to Deputy Byron Ward of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Serda was at a party when he got into an argument with another Latino man who pulled out a handgun and allegedly shot Serda. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:07 p.m.
Galuvaea Kane, a 31-year-old Samoan man, was shot and killed in the 3500 block of Santa Fe Avenue in Long Beach about 12:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19. According to Police Spokeswoman Jackie Bezart, officers from the Long Beach Police Department responded to a call of shots fired and found Kane wounded. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:07 a.m. Police said a Samoan man was seen leaving the scene on foot. Anyone with information can call homicide Dets. Hugo Cortez or Daniel Mendoza at (562) 570-7244.
Update: Porotesano Gaoa, a 42-year-old Samoan man, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, according to police. Gaoa is a resident of Long Beach. Authorities said the two men knew each other, but what their relationship was is still unknown. The motive for the shooting is also unknown, police said.
 Andre Lamont Johnson Jr., 19, a young black man, was fatally shot in the 200 block of West Alondra Boulevard in Compton about 2:07 a.m. Saturday, April 19. According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. According to a coroner's report, Johnson's time of death was listed as 2:16 a.m. Dets. Brown and Espino from the sheriff's homicide bureau are investigating the shooting.
 Hernan Cardona, a 60-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed outside an auto parts store about 10 p.m. Friday, April 18. Police said Cardona worked as a security guard at the Auto Zone at 1905 S. Western Ave. and exchanged gunfire with two black men wearing dark hooded sweatshirts. Then, according to Cardona's son, Wilfredo Cardona, 34, his father attempted to help a wounded bystander. As he was checking on the man, the two gunmen shot Hernan Cardona three times from behind. He was struck in the head at least once, his son said. The motive for the shooting is still unknown, police said.
Hernan's sister Miriam Cardona, 39, said her brother was from El Salvador. He was a father of seven and grandfather of five, she said. According to family, Hernan like to stay fit by lifting weights. He liked being outdoors and was fond of beef jerky and dry fish. His sister said they had planned on returning to El Salvador in November. Wilfredo said he last saw his dad on Monday. He said they both had lunch together. "I lost my dad and best friend," said Wilfredo. "He was valuable to me."
Anyone with information about the shooting can call Wilshire Homicide Detectives Kurt Wong and Javier Hernandez at (213) 473-0446
Victor Fajardo, a 15-year-old Latino youth, was shot in the 7000 block of Ethel Avenue near Madison Middle School in North Hollywood about 7:15 p.m. Friday, April 18. According to police, Fajardo was approached by two Latino men as he walked on the sidewalk. One of the men pulled out a handgun and fired at Fajardo, authorities said. He was taken by ambulance to Holy Cross Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:48 p.m. Police said the two men fled in a 2000 or 2004 black Ford Mustang.
Judy Sobel, 62-year-old white woman, was allegedly shot by her husband in a murder-suicide in the 13400 block of Cumpston Street in Van Nuys about 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 18. According to Police spokeswoman Kate Lopez, officers from LAPD's Van Nuys Division were responding to a welfare check when they found the bodies of Sobel and her husband. "It appears the husband may have shot his wife then himself," Lopez said. According to a coroner's report, her time of death was listed as 10:03 a.m
Dejuan Andino, 28, a black man, was shot multiple times in the 900 block of South Essey Avenue in Compton about 5:08 p.m. Thursday, April 17. According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Andino was taken by ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:47 p.m. Coroner Spokeman Craig Harvey said Andino was walking on the sidewalk when he was shot by a gunman. To the left, Andino's memorial shrine.
Nye Daniels, a 22-year-old black man, was shot multiple times inside his home in the 9900 block of South Graham Avenue in South Los Angeles about 4:10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16. A friend of Daniels' was also in the house but was not injured in the shooting, authorities said. According to police, a suspect or suspects forced entry through the front door, walked to a back bedroom and fired multiple rounds, police said. Daniels was hit and left mortally wounded. The shooter or shooters then fled the scene, but it was unknown whether by foot or in a car. Daniels was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, authorities said. Daniels was a documented Grape Street gang member, said police spokesman Richard French of LAPD's media relations office. Anyone with information is asked to call South Bureau Detective Sal LaBarbera at (213) 485-4341.
 Richard Dale, a 54-year-old white man, was killed in an officer-involved shooting Saturday, April 19. According to Torrance Police spokesman Dave Crespin, officers responded to a complaint of loud music in the 2200 block of Torrance Boulevard in Torrance about 12: 45 a.m., but when they arrived the music had been turned off. A few minutes later, officers responded to a second complaint of loud music. According to Crespin, officers were making their way to an upstairs apartment when they were confronted by Dale, who allegedly pointed a handgun at them. Shots were fired and Dale was killed. According to a coroner's report, Dale was shot multiple times in the chest. His time of death was listed as 1:52 a.m. by paramedics with the Torrance Fire Department. A handgun was recovered at the scene, police said. Police also recovered "numerous weapons and ammunition" inside Dale's home.
Andres Delamadrid, 37, a Latino man, was shot in the chest while driving his taxicab in at 3453 Gleason Ave. in Boyle Heights about 8:15 p.m. Friday, April 18. According to police, Delamadrid's cab crashed into a parked vehicle after shots were fired. Officers from LAPD's Hollenbeck Division later found Delamadrid inside his taxi. He was taken by ambulance to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:48 p.m. Police said Delamadrid was on his way to pick up a passenger in the 200 block of North Chicago Street. It was unknown whether Delamadrid may have been shot during a robbery attempt, authorities said.
Vidal Jose Ventura-Jimenez, 24, a Latino man, was shot and killed at 4506 S. Slauson Ave. near the Mar Vista area at about 12:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 15. According to Los Angeles police spokeswoman Ana Aguirre, Jimenez was shot while riding his bicycle. She said a dark Ford SUV drove next to Jimenez and then someone from inside the vehicle shot him. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Aguirre said.
Jose Varela, a 40-year-old Latino man, was fatally shot in the chest at 1124 S. McBride Ave about 9:32 p.m. in East Los Angeles near the Long Beach Freeway. According to Denise Fuchs of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His time of death was listed as 10:04 p.m., according to a coroner report.
Brian Maciel, 18, a young Latino man was mortally wounded after being shot at the intersection of North Brannick Avenue and Floral Drive in City Terrace about 8:32 p.m. Monday, April 14. According to Deputy Denise Fuchs of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the man was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:10 p.m.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, April 14-20, 2008.)
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of April 7-13, 2008.
 Jack Edward Hicks, a 35-year-old white man, was found shot to death inside a home in the 5200 block of Cogswell Road in El Monte about 11:50 p.m. Saturday, April 12. According to Deputy Ed Hernandez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, officers from the El Monte Police Department responded to a radio call about a gunshot victim found inside a home. Upon arrival, officers were told by a witness that Hicks was laying inside with a gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics at 12:09 a.m. Sunday.
 Esteban Caraveo, a 36-year-old Latino man, was fatally shot at 4516 Long Beach Ave. in South Los Angeles about 2:25 a.m. Sunday, April 13. According to Police Lt. Cheryl Cronin of LAPD's Newton Division, Caraveo was standing on the sidewalk when he was shot. A second man was also shot and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he is recovering. The motive for the shooting is still unknown, said Cronin. She said the relationship between the Caraveo and the other man was also unknown. The shooting occurred near the MTA's Blue Line Vernon station and a popular swapmeet in the area. Below, to the right, is a memorial shrine for Caraveo. His nickname "Spooky" was engraved on the sidewalk. One neighbor said she was out of town when the shooting happened. Another did not even know a homicide had taken place.
Lancaster: A white man was killed in the 1600 block of West Avenue J in Lancaster about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 8. Sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating. HR is seeking more information.
Fernando Cortez, 21, a young Latino man, was killed in a deputy-involved shooting in the 1500 block of East 92nd Street in Florence about 5:55 p.m. Saturday, April 12. According to Deputy Oscar Butao of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, gang enforcement deputies from the Sheriff's Century Station were at a stop light across from the Ranchito Market when they were approached by someone who said that a man inside the store was armed with a gun. The deputies later detained Cortez and were searching him when he allegedly pulled a handgun out of his pocket. Butao said the deputies reported they feared for their lives, and fired several shots at Cortez. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics at 6:05 p.m.
Juan Ruiz, 23, a Latino man was shot in the head in the intersection of Florence Avenue and Beach Street in Florence about 2:44 a.m. Saturday, April 12. Ruiz was pronounced dead on the sidewalk by paramedics, according to authorities. Sheriff's Homicide Det. Frank Laserno said Ruiz was a documented gang member and that the motive for the shooting was still unknown.
Jonathan Taylor, 24, a black man, was killed during a gun battle with police officers from the El Segundo Police Department about 10:15 p.m. in El Segundo Friday, April 11. The officer-involved shooting occurred at the Pacific Beach Cities 16 Cinemas, 831 S. Nash St. in El Segundo. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, two El Segundo police officers at the theater were called in after Taylor argued with employees. The officers detained Taylor and began to search him. During the search, Taylor allegedly pulled out a handgun and began shooting. Both officers were struck by gunfire but were able to shoot back, authorities said. Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Both officers were taken by ambulance to UCLA Harbor-Medical Center. Authorities would not release any further information about the shooting or the officers.
Samantha Padilla, 19, a Latina woman, was mortally wounded on the 110 Freeway offramp in South L.A. about 12:15 a.m. Thursday, April 10. According to police, Padilla had exited the northbound Harbor Freeway and was at a stop light when a brown Ford Bronco, 1990 or 1991 model, pulled alongside her car. The occupant of the Bronco fired several rounds at Padilla's car, hitting her several times. Officers from the LAPD's Newton Division responded to a radio call of shots fired and found Padilla wounded but alive. She was taken by ambulance to California hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 12:46 p.m. Los Angeles Times story.
Update: Police have arrested Jessica Ortega, 30, a Latina woman, on suspicion of murder. Police said Ortega is a resident from the Ramona Gardens housing project in Boyle Heights. Authorities said Ortega is an alleged gang member with the Playboys street gang. Authorities claimed the motive for the shooting was to further her gang's activities. Read L.A. Times story for more on Ortega.
 Donald Demond Hoskins, a 31-year-old black man, was mortally wounded and another man was critically injured after they were shot outside a burger stand at 953 W. Florence Ave. in South-Central L.A. about 1 a.m. Tuesday, April 8. According to police, the men were approached by one or more suspects on foot. Authorities said both men were taken by ambulance to local hospitals. Hoskins was later pronounced dead at California Hospital, according to LAPD spokeswoman Ana Aguirre. Times story
Alexous Ann Sandoval and Daisy Orozco, two 17-year-old Latino girls, were killed in a taxicab crash at the intersection of Medford Street and Fishburn Avenue in City Terrace about 12:40 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8. According to police, the two girls had flagged the taxicab at 12:30 a.m. near Wabash Avenue and North Soto Street in Boyle Heights. The cab driver, Javier Hernandez, 40, a Latino man, told police that the girls asked to be taken to the Ramona Gardens housing project. As they approached the complex, Hernandez said one of the girls told him to wait, because her boyfriend was going to pay for the fare. Shortly after, a Latino man armed with a handgun approached the taxicab. Police said Hernandez panicked and sped off with the girls still inside. The two teens told Hernandez to stop, but when he didn't one of the girls allegedly attacked Hernandez, causing him to lose control and crash into a concrete barrier, authorities said. The girls were declared dead at the scene. More on the crash in the Los Angeles Time story.
Police later arrested Hector Jasso, 20 and Daniel Salvador Martinez, 21, both Latino men, on suspicion of murder.
Police believe the two teenage girls allegedly conspired with the men in an attempted taxicab robbery and carjacking. Their deaths are included in the Report because under the so-called "felony murder rule," which classifies deaths that occur in the cour of felonies as homicides.
Daisy Orozco, a 17-year-old Latina girl, is the second victim of the homicide listed above.
Jovani Quintero, a 26-year-old Latino man, was killed near the Duray Courts Apartments Place at 2828 Duray Place in the West Adams area. His time of death is listed as 11:27 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, according to a coroner's report; he was shot in the head. The homicide is being investigated by detectives from LAPD's Southwest Division. Graffiti has been sprayed along wooden fences, garage doors and the street, all in memory of Jo vani. A neighbor said he heard the gunfire but did not know who had been shot. Another said she was out of town when it happened. A resident at the Duray Courts Apartment Place said he had not heard about the shooting. To the right, graffiti on a garage door with his nickname, "Geo."
Leonel Cervantes, 20, a young Latino man, was stabbed in the 2700 block of Delta Avenue in Rosemead about 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 7. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Cervantes was approached by a Latino man and a Latina woman as he was walking. Cervantes was then stabbed after an argument broke between him and the couple. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead the next day 1:25 a.m.
Jose Palomino, 25, a Latino man, was shot multiple times in the 500 block of S. Lorena Street in Boyle Heights at about 7:52 p.m. Monday, April 7. Palomino was transported to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, said Los Angeles police spokeswoman Ana Aguirre. According to a coroner's report his time of death is listed as 8:21 p.m.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, April 7-13, 2008.)
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of April 1-7, 2008.
Hans Berry Hollie, a 26-year-old black man, was shot in the upper torso and head at 1240 E. Avenue S in Palmdale at about 1:40 a.m. Monday, April 7. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Hollie was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Watts: Christopher Tobias, a 38-year-old black man, was shot and killed in the 2000 block of 105th St. in Watts at about noon Saturday, April 5. Police said Tobias was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:48 p.m.
South-Central: Shortly after, Gary Walker, a 31-year-old black man, was shot multiple times as he stood in an alley near a parking lot of an apartment building at 1420 W. 38th St. in South-Central L.A. He was also taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:26 p.m.
Monterey Park: At about 1:19 p.m. Sunday, April 6, two Latino men were shot in Monterey Park. Paramedics pronounced Alfred Chavez, a 23-year-old Latino man, dead at the scene at 2:08 a.m. According to L.A. County Sheriff's Department, the second man was hospitalized and is recovering.
North Hollywood: Hours after Chavez's death, Dennis Runner, 23, a white man, was shot multiple times in the head at about 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Sherman Way in North Hollywood. According to police spokesperson Ana Aguirre, the suspect, described as a Latino man, fled in a burgundy four-door Scion. Police said Dennis was sitting inside a vehicle parked in front of a liquor store when he was shot. He was transported to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, said Aguirre. Runner was pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m.
The coroner also reported the death of Rodney Curry, a 38-year-old black man mortally wounded in a shooting, at 3:01 p.m. Saturday, April 5. But investigators had no information about the date and time of the shooting.
The shootings occurred during a 40-hour symbolic "murder moratorium" called for by civil rights activists to mark the 40th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The moratorium to promote peace, justice and nonviolence had started at 6:01 p.m. Friday, 40 years to the minute after King was assassinated in Memphis. The moratorium ended at 10:01 a.m. Sunday.
On Monday, Eddie Jones, president of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Association, said the moratorium was a success despite the multiple murders. "There wasn't a great loss of life," said Jones. He said in the past there had been greater number of lives lost to gun and gang violence. "We sent out a beautiful message: stop the killings. Save a human life. Respect one another. Have some dignity in yourselves. Stop hurting one another and save our children," said Jones. As for those responsible for the homicides , Jones said, "Only God knows everything."
Update: There were a total of three murders during the "murder moratorium." Runner's death on Sunday, April 6, was not considered one of the four homicides. The L.A. County Coroner said Tuesday, April 8, that Rodney Curry, 38, a black man, may have died from an old gunshot wound he received several years ago and therefore would not be considered among any of the homicides that actually occurred during the moratorium.
Dennis Runner, 23, a white man, was shot and killed in North Hollywood after a murder moratorium listed above.
Alfred Chavez, 23, a Latino man, was killed during an a murder moratorium listed above.
Gary Walker, 31, a black man, was killed during a murder moratorium listed above.
Update: Southwest area detectives have cleared this case. An adult suspect has been charged with murder.
Christopher Tobias, 38, a black man, was killed during a murder moratorium listed above.
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