Man detained in Echo Park, Glassell Park shootings
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A suspected gang member who was in court today on a felony drug charge faces more legal drama after police officers detained him on suspicion of being the triggerman in a series of weekend shootings in northeast Los Angeles that killed two men and wounded a third, authorities said.
Andre Upshaw, 33, was being questioned by Los Angeles police and is expected to be booked later today on suspicion of murder in connection with the three shootings Sunday afternoon in Echo Park and Glassell Park that took place within minutes of each other, according to several department sources.
Upshaw was making an appearance before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephen Marcus on a single count of felony drug possession when police came into court with their guns drawn and arrested him. Authorities cleared the court gallery and arrested Upshaw as he waited for his case to be called.
He had been out on bail, but police said they didn't want to take any chances and cleared the courtroom before detaining him.
LAPD investigators reported that, in all three shootings, the suspect was driving a black truck. Gang investigators worked the case all night and, based on witnesses, identified Upshaw. He was arrested without incident.
The first shooting was reported at 5 p.m. in the 1600 block of Baxter Street in Echo Park. Eric Zamarripa, 38, died of his wounds at a local hospital.
A minute later, a second shooting was reported in the 2000 block of Echo Park Avenue, police said. The victim in the second shooting was taken to hospital in stable condition.
Those incidents were followed by a third shooting half an hour later in 4300 block of Toland Way in Glassell Park. That victim, who was not immediately identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.
-- Andrew Blankstein
Doesn't make sense to me. The day before he is to get his day in court on felony drug possession charges, he goes on a shooting spree, and then still goes to his court date?
All of this based on suspect eyewitness accounts of a black truck? back to the drawing board!
Posted by: Da MAverick | March 02, 2009 at 12:43 PM
I'm a tad suspicious about this too. It doesn't ring true. Reads like an episode of Dangerous Minds. Unless the shooter is some sort of sociopathic narcissistic grandiose serial killer that just happens to like killing gang members. Makes very little sense. Could be a diversion to prevent the impending revenge blow up that's about to happen once the gangs figure out who did what. Preemptive propaganda?
Posted by: Aunty Nonnymouse | March 02, 2009 at 03:05 PM
Wow, the news can't post enough pics of that girl with the multiple DUI. Where's this guys pic?
Posted by: Duff Gardens | March 02, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Sounds to me like someone trying to settle scores before doing time.
Posted by: Blair | March 02, 2009 at 03:27 PM
First of all get your fact's straight when posting up information on someone that has just been killed... The victim Eric was a great father and a great husband. And it's an insult to not even know how to spell his last name and also to put him down. People around the neighborhood don't know these people lives or how they are living.. Give the respect as you would your own kind. And yes I agree gangs are a problem but you just don't wipe them out. There human too. People do mistakes and some yes deserve a second chance to get their lives back on track and some are outright dangerous now as for those they need help not just to be locked up were they just learn to be better criminals... May Eric rest in peace. It was my pleasure to have met him. And god bless his wife Letty and his 3 young children his mom Yolanda and his sister Rebbecca and Virginia. To all his family and friends my great sympathy goes out to you and I so deeply sadden about your loss.....
Posted by: Jennifer | March 02, 2009 at 08:40 PM
you people dont know anything. that s.o.b did it and thats that. show some respect to family!!!!
Posted by: cerro gordo | March 03, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Eric will be missed greatly by his family and friends. I agree gangs are a problem but they are also people just dealt different hand in life. Some people get the opportunity to get out and others just have to live with what they have. I wish nothing but the best for Letty and his kids, they lost a great father and husband just like i have lost a great friend. You will never be forgotten and will always remain in my heart. You were like a brother to me. Love you forever bro!!!!!
Posted by: Thomas Carrillo | March 03, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Eric will be missed greatly by his family and friends. I agree gangs are a problem but they are also people just dealt different hand in life. Some people get the opportunity to get out and others just have to live with what they have. I wish nothing but the best for Letty and his kids, they lost a great father and husband just like i have lost a great friend. You will never be forgotten and will always remain in my heart. You were like a brother to me. Love you forever bro!!!!!
Posted by: Thomas Carrillo | March 03, 2009 at 02:17 PM
For all you clueless people out there, Eric was my first cousin and if you can't respect my cousin, our family, or his peace then stay off these comments. Eric was my favorite cousin he was a caring and giving person. He will be missed by me and my family. Many good memories with my cousin. We both loved working on cars, we both loved our oldies. My heart goes out to lety and the family. And all the support our famiy has gotten from friends and family. Rest in peace eric. I LOVE YOU PRIMO
Posted by: Jason Balcena | March 04, 2009 at 12:50 PM
R.I.P. ERIC, yOU WERE A GOOD HOMIE, firme in our book. Drew did a punk move. You'll be missed. My condolences to the family. From David & Mike Abad (Los Cuates) friends since KING days.
Posted by: David Abad 9Los Cuates) | March 04, 2009 at 01:02 PM
Anyone who knew Carlos Gonzalez knows that he was a good man, father,uncle,brother,son, and friend. he considered Eric to be more than his friend that was his brother.
To all who are writing negative comments are living in a dream world. All these men worked hard to take care of there families and didn't deserve to go out like this, in front of there homes, in front of there families. Carlos was doing the right thing, playing with his kids and laying with his daughter on the front lawn and didn't deserve for that punk andre to Come up on him like that with his kids watching. Can't wait till he get his!!!!! Let's see how his kids and lady feel when it comes back around, justice will be served!!!
Love you DADDY
Love you BROTHER
Love you CHOPS
Posted by: our dad our hero | March 05, 2009 at 05:55 PM
JUST WONDERING, WHY DID THESE PEOPLE GET SHOT? SINCE SOME OF YOU KNEW THEM, NOT TO MEAN ANY OFFENSE TO ANYONE; R.I.P TO ALL OF THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES BUT WERE THEY INTO SOMETHING THAT PUT THEIR LIVES IN DANGER?
Posted by: -Reader | March 05, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Eric was a great guy and literally my old skool friend that I knew since King Jr High. I am saddened by this news and my sincerest condolences go out to his family. God Bless you Eric!
Posted by: Nancy Rodriguez | March 06, 2009 at 11:37 AM
My heart goes out to the family members of Carlos and Erick may god have them in peace, Carlos was I great person and its really sad that this took place,May their families overcome this nightmare
Posted by: elizabeth | March 16, 2009 at 09:34 PM
None of this surprises me!
If your a known gang member you better belive your days are numbered.
Those two may have turned their lives around but in the past they may of done something to piss some one off. When I read stories like this, I have no pitty for anyone not even the victims. They choose to live that life style they better SUCK IT UP!!!!!
Posted by: Joanna | March 22, 2009 at 01:36 PM