Double homicide in Glassell Park

Los Angeles police were searching Sunday for suspects in a suspected gang-related shooting in Glassell Park in which two brothers were killed and a third man was wounded.

Jose Martinez, 24, and Samuel Martinez, 20, were killed at about 12:50 a.m. Saturday in the 2900 block of Division Street, near San Fernando Road. Both sustained single wounds and died at the scene.

Marvin Gonzalez, 19, also received a gunshot wound and was in critical condition at a local hospital. 

The men were heading to a liquor store when they were approached by several suspects who asked about their gang affiliations. Apparently not satisfied with the answers, the suspects opened fire, said Sgt. Gregory Whortan of Los Angeles Police Department's Northeast Division.  Police said the victims were not gang members.

Anyone with information was asked to call Northeast homicide detectives: (213) 847-4261.

Comments

[smith]

Please find the cowards that killed these two individuals. Jose Martinez was a spectacular student who was destined to become a law enforcement agent, I am terribly sadend by this information. Rip Jose MArtinez

[nosanctuary1]

I bought my starter home on Division St 40 years ago. Nice middle class neighborhood then, and a gang infested, graffiti covered cesspool now.

[Dodger Tony]

The National Guard should take over the policing of Los Angeles. Being in a gang should be considered unconstitutional, and the families of gang bangers should have their houses demolished, just like the Israeli army does to the families of Palestinian terrorists.

[Cypress Park]

Was approaching Super A when I discovered it was closed off due to a shooting. I'm not surprised. There have been a few more shootings, just hope this doesn't turn into retaliation like it did in 2008. It freaks me out cause I just don't want it to be anyone of the kids I know in the neighborhood. Don't get me wrong, I'm saddened these young men died in a senseless act by the hands of cowards. It's just that much more heartening when you have a closer bond. (obviously)
RIP Jose & Samuel. Condolences to his family and friends during this time. I thought police would do more to clean up this area since the senseless murder of Deputy Juan Escalante. I especially thought Mr. Villaraigosa (vendido) would clean up this area since he lived in Mt. Washington. Daydreaming again.

[Cypress Park resident]

I agree with Dodger Tony. We should not allow these cowards the same freedoms as law abiding citizens. It is not fair that these gang members can walk freely while they have taken innocent lives and caused so much heart ache and pain for so many.

[us.army...]

im in the us army and grew up in this area most of my life and i agree with the last couple of post, the government should bring back the rest of the men and women serving overseas in a non sence war and start patrolling these cities and taking care of what mayors promise and wont do and what is overwhelming the few cops we have out here! it is nonsence that this has to happen to two innocent guys that i grew up with!

[u.s.marine!]

I grew up in neighboring Cypress Park . and have to disagree with your ridiculous comments about bringing in the services to patrol. .Are u guys serious? oh but wait since your in the army u wont have to be the one doing it... we have much bigger problems than these senseless murders.. im sure u will enjoy the noise of our tanks rolling down divisonn or cypress? what a bunch of complete idiots!!! i knew these guys also and if u walk like a duck theyre gonna treat u like one...not that its right to kill ne body nobody deserves to die. But all of these characters hung out partied and had gang ties to the avenues. . i past by and saw one big ol gang meeting....i feel for the parents and wish for justice . . my sincere apologies and condolences to all who were affected..

[wlo]

Ok honestly first of all R-I-P JOSE MARTINEZ AND SAMMY U WILL BE MISSED GREATLY !! To who ever said these guys were affiliated with gansters if u live in this area u will obviously know people in gangs but that dont mean you have to get killed..i hope that they catch who ever killed this father of a beautiful baby girl i really hope this never happens to anyone else!

[Concerned Citizen]

I agree with U.S. Marine----If you walk like a duck and talk like a duck, most likely you are a duck - (even if you truly are not a duck) you will probably still be looked upon as a duck). I know of some former gang members that have totally gotten out of the 'life' just by changing the way they dress, the way they act, and the way they speak---If you really think about it, it is a very simple thing to do(if you really want to do it). If it means the difference between life and death, I'm sure anyone with common sense would change -- Life is hard enough! - even for non gang members---why make life harder for yourself by affiliating yourself with gang members whose only mission in life is to fight, harm 0r kill other gang members.

Think about it---if ALL hispanics(regardless of gang) just got together to try to make ALL Hispanic's quality of lives better and bring the Hispanic race UP--How GREAT would that be. Remember, there is POWER in numbers! Just look at other races(in the USA)--for the most part, they all try to make their lives and lives of other members of their race --better!

The POWERS at be(people that run this country) just love the fact that Hispanics(or Blacks) are so busy fighting each other--that they have no time(or are even thinking of) trying to rise to the top and live the Powerful, Wealthy and Great quality of life that the people that make the laws and rules live. Hispanics HAVE to UNITE and be as ONE!

[elprimo]

R.I.P. JOSE & SAMMY WE LOVE U GUYS N U WILL NEVER B 4GOTTEN

[veterano]

no one should die to gang violence, but it happens in this environment. growing up in la i know that it is hard to not have gang member friends. but at 1 in the morning there is nothing good out there. STAY IN UR HOUSE. buy beer tomorrow.

[North East Resident]

What really sucks is that as young Latino men we cannot go outside to enjoy ourselves without being a target by low lives or police harassment . We are either the rival gangsters or the suspects. The first thing that needs to stop is the stereotyping by people that don't even know who we are. We deserve or, better yet we have the right to walk, run, drive, live life without this non-sense. People saying we shouldn't be out this late, we are grown men (hard workers, brothers, sons, fathers) we are not going to be prisoners in our own neighborhood for anyone! Martinez Brothers Rest Peacefully!

[THE HOMIE]

REST IN PEACE SAMMY AND JOSE. SAMMY YOU AND ME GO WAY BACK G WE HAVE GONE THROUGH A LOT AND HAVE HAD LOTS OF FUN IM NEVER GOING TO FORGET U OR UR BROTHER REST IN PARADISE

[Cheesecaker]

From your friends at the cheesecake, you were well liked and a cool guy. May the senseless deaths of you and your bro be righted! May they reap what they sow, those punks. My thoughts are with his mother. And to the police, do not let this go unsolved. This is a serious issue. 3 good guys shot in your district. Avenge these men officers! It is your duty as men, and as sworn protectors of the community. Do not let these men become merely statistics to your dept. Human life means more than that.

[LAPD Step It Up!]

Martinez Brothers were innocent residents of your District North East L.A.P.D Officers. And there is nothing mentioned in your website about this tragic event. And also North East L.A.P.D you didn't even do a press conference.What a shame! I cannot understand how the L.A.P.D allowed these cowards to get away even though you were at the scene within a few minutes. I will like to see the police report on how the police officers conducted this crime scene and search. It is only obvious that the cowards that did this only live a few blocks away (detectives). There had to be witnesses too. A mother lost two sons in a terrible manner. Have a heart and stand up if you have information. I cannot see the North East Police Department or Community to allow these cowards to walk freely in our neighborhood. We all need to do our part to bring justice for the Martinez Family. Martinez Brothers Rest Peacefully!