The Homicide Report

South Los Angeles officer-involved shooting

Ruben Vives — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:00:45 -0700

South L.A.: Marco Gomez, 31, a Latino man, was killed in an officer-involved shooting in the 1400 block of 23rd Street in South Los Angeles about 11:05 p.m. Friday, May 2.

According to police, officers from the Newton Area Gang Enforcement Detail responded to a radio call of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers were told that Gomez had fired a shot at someone and then ran inside a home. Officers prepared to enter the home and search for Gomez after he refused to come out.

When Officers Eric Rose and Kevin Raines entered the home, they encountered Gomez armed with a semi-automatic pistol, police said. Both Rose and Raines shot Gomez multiple times. Police were unable to confirm whether Gomez fired his weapon or not. Authorities said Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene and that the semi-automatic pistol was recovered.

He was never afraid to help you

Ruben Vives — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:14:07 -0700

Melvin Espinoza, 26, a Latino man, was fatally shot at the front door of his apartment in Lynwood about 1:30 a.m., August 27, 2005.

He and his girlfriend were awakened by a neighbor knocking at their front door. Upon answering, the neighbor told him that her boyfriend was arguing with four men who had been stealing fire extinguishers in the building. She asked him if he could intervene, Espinoza's sister, Jackie Espinoza, said.

"He was never afraid to help you," she said.

He confronted the four men. "He told them to leave, and I guess they felt they were being disrespected," his sister said. Her brother and his girlfirend had returned to their apartment when two of the four men approached them. Espinoza said her brother pushed his girlfriend inside the apartment, closed the door and was shot in the face by one of the two men. He collapsed by the door and died, she said.

Four months after the shooting two of the four men were identified and arrested. The men were Latino gang members. Jackie Espinoza said her brother's girlfriend and the neighbor, who had been arguing with the group, testified against the two men. The gunman was convicted of murder, she said. The other man was acquitted and released. Fearing retaliation, Espinoza's girlfriend moved to her grandmother's house in Riverside. Their neighbors also moved out of the area.

Jackie Espinoza, 31, said her brother had a big heart. He was 6 feet 1 and weighed about 200 pounds. She said he was the kind of man who would pull over if your car was broken down at the side of the road. He would offer you a ride as long as you gave him gas money. He never gave homeless people money but bought them food instead.

Her brother wanted to finish school to become a phlebotomist, a person who draws blood. He was a medical assistant and was taking care of their diabetic mother, who required insulin shots. She said her brother oversaw their mother's medications and doctor appointments.

She said her brother had a 1996 green Ford Explorer SUV that he loved. "He only used it for special occasions," she said. The SUV had neon lights, rims and had a sound system and a Flowmaster exhaust system. "You could always hear him coming around the corner of our house," she said. "He loved loud noises."

According to Jackie, her 26-year-old sister now drives the SUV. "He had left something for all of us, should anything happen to him," she said. "He wanted her to keep the truck."

Pacoima shooting

Ruben Vives — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:48:57 -0700

Pacoima: A 14-year-old Latino youth was shot in the 12700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard about 8:30 p.m. Monday. He he was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

LAPD spokeswoman Ana Aguirre said two groups of juveniles were involved in a fistfight. When the group dispersed, one of the youths pulled out a gun and began shooting randomly, hitting the 14-year-old in the back of the head. "It's unknown if he was struck as he was walking away," Aguirre said. She said the young boy may have staggered to the sidewalk, where officers from LAPD's Foothill Division found him. There is no description of the suspect and no arrests have been made, Aguirre said.

Man shot near Exposition Park

Ruben Vives — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:20:10 -0700

Roberto Perez, 25, a Latino man, was shot and killed at 4080 S. Vermont Ave. near Exposition Park about 7:45 p.m. Friday, May 2.

According to Det. Frank Alvelais of the LAPD's South Bureau Homicide, Perez was on his way to the store on his bicycle when a vehicle pulled up to him. Alvelais said a suspect exited the car, approached Perez and shot him several times. Perez was declared dead at the scene, he said.

####

Transients killed

Ruben Vives — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:16:49 -0700

At least four homeless people have been killed in L.A. County in the last two weeks.

Long Beach: Terry Jr. Williamson, 29, a black man, was stabbed to death at 2001Cedar Ave. in Long Beach at 1:30 a.m. Monday, May 5.

According to Sgt. Dina Zapalski of the Long Beach Police Department, Williamson was standing in front of an apartment building when he was stabbed in the upper torso by two Latino men. Williamson was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2 a.m., police said.

Four days before that attack, Juan Ortiz, 31, a Latino man, was shot and killed near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Anaheim Street in Long Beach about 2:20 p.m. Thursday, May 1. Police said officers responded to a call of a "gunshot victim" at the east bank of the Los Angeles River flood control channel. Ortiz was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:10 p.m., authorities said. Anyone with information about the incident can call Dets. David Rios and William K. Matsubara at (562) 570-7244.

Northridge: Harold Loftis, a 69-year-old white man, pictured left, was pronounced dead from blunt-force head trauma at Northridge Hospital Medical Center Thursday, May 1.

According to Det. Mike Fesperman of LAPD's Devonshire Division, Loftis was pacing back and forth in front of a bus stop at Roscoe and Reseda boulevards about 10 p.m. Monday, April 14. Fesperman said a Latino man walking by punched him in the face. Loftis was taken to the hospital. He remained in the intensive-care unit for at least two weeks, until he was declared brain dead.

Fesperman said Loftis was born in Tennessee. He described the suspect as a Latino man in his 20s, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds.

Florence: Troy Green Jr., 23, a black man, was shot and killed at 75th Street and Parmelee Avenue in an unincorporated area of Florence about 9:50 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Green is listed below.

Brothers killed in South-Central L.A.

Ruben Vives — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:52:36 -0700

South Central L.A.: Manuel Romero, 36, a Latino man, and his brother, Roberto Romero, 27, also Latino, were shot and killed at 532 W. 74th St. about 9:45 p.m. Authorities said Manuel was pronounced dead at the scene. Roberto was taken to California Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

According to Det. Carlos Velasquez of LAPD's 77th Street Division, the two men and the suspect were standing near Manuel's van. The suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at the two men. Velasquez described the suspect as a black man with shoulder-length cornrows or braids. He was seen driving from the scene in a silver or beige SUV, Velasquez said. Anyone with information about the incident can call (213) 485-1659

Baldwin Park homicide

Ruben Vives — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:44:13 -0700

Baldwin Park: Jose Perez, a 17-year-old Latino, was shot to death in the 5000 block of Maine Avenue about 9:16 p.m. Saturday, May 3. According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Perez was declared dead at the scene. More to come.

Driver shot in Pico-Union area

Ruben Vives — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:06:36 -0700

Los Angeles: Jose Espinosa, 31, a Latino man, was fatally shot at Venice Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue in the Pico-Union area about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3. Police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman said Espinosa was driving west on Venice Boulevard in a burgundy Chevrolet Camaro and was fired on in the intersection, then crashed his car into a pole. He was taken by paramedics to California Hospital Medical Center, where doctors learned he had been shot, she said. The man died later at the hospital, authorities said.

Lancaster stabbing

Ruben Vives — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:59:26 -0700

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.

South Pasadena murder-suicide

Ruben Vives — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:58:35 -0700

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.

Compton shooting

Ruben Vives — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:57:30 -0700

Compton: Alejandro Diaz, 56, a Latino man, was fatally shot in the 111 E. Compton Blvd. 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.

East Los Angeles shooting

Ruben Vives — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:53:19 -0700

East L.A.: Jeffrey Alvarado, 18, a Latino man, was shot and killed at 512 S. Hoefner Ave. just after midnight Saturday, May 3. According Deputy Rick Pedroza of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Alvarado was attending a "flier party" when someone pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at the crowd. Alvarado was hit in the upper torso and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

Two other people were wounded and were taken to hospitals, where they are recovering. Authorities said the motive for the shooting is still unknown.

Downey homicide

Ruben Vives — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:51:04 -0700

Downey: Christopher Lee Hamilton, 33, a white man, was shot in the head in the 13400 block of Verdura Avenue about midnight Saturday, May 3. Police Sgt. Jeff Calhoun of the Downey Police Department said officers responded to a radio call of "shots-fired" about 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 2. Upon arrival officers found Hamilton lying on a driveway with a gunshot wound. Calhoun said Hamilton was at a small gathering when he was shot. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Raul Salazar (562) 904-2332 or Det. Sam Gatfield at (562) 904-2391

Torrance murder-suicide

Ruben Vives — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:52:50 -0700

Torrance: 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. Los Angeles Times story.

We have to stop these guys

Ruben Vives — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:39:38 -0700

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.

Homicide suspect wanted

Ruben Vives — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:37:24 -0700

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 pictured 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.

Victims, April 21-28

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0700

The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of April 21-28, 2008

Alexander Trejo, 43

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:10:00 -0700

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.

Brenda Aguilera, 21

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:00:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:55:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:40:00 -0700

Jonathan Vega-Plascencia, 20, a young Latino man, is the second victim of the homicide listed above.

Gouram Wallace Jr., 39

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:35:00 -0700

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, 19

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:20:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:15:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:10:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:55:00 -0700

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

Richard Vera, 21

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:50:00 -0700

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, 24

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:45:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:40:00 -0700

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.

Riginald Wilson, 44

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:35:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:30:00 -0700

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, 31

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:25:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:20:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:15:00 -0700

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.

Jorge Vazquez Baez, 41

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:10:00 -0700

Jorge Vazquez Baez, 41, a Latino man, was shot 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, 22

Ruben Vives — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:00:00 -0700

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.)

Homicide map

Gale Holland — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:20:00 -0700

For an up-to-date map of homicide locations, click here.

Victims, April 14-20

Ruben Vives — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0700

The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of April 14-20, 2008

David Gallegos, 32

Ruben Vives — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:30:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Rigoberto Vega, 23, a Latino man, is the second homicide victim listed above.

Heriberto Osorio, 19

Ruben Vives — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:30:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:10:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:10:00 -0700

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, 31

Ruben Vives — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:40:00 -0700

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, 60

Ruben Vives — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:00:00 -0700

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, 15

Ruben Vives — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:45:00 -0700

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

Ruben Vives — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:40:00 -0700

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