20-Year-Old Man Discovered Dead

August 29, 2010

Update
August 30, 2010

On Sunday August 29, 2010, Foothill detectives located and detained Miguel Ochoa and his brother Axel Chavez for further investigation in the killing of Jose Arroyo.  Based upon the investigation Ochoa and Chavez were placed under arrest and booked for the murder of Jose Arroyo.

The investigation is ongoing and detectives will continue to seek additional information from witnesses who may have information on this case.  The weapon recovered at the crime scene will be tested for ballistics.  The motive for this crime is unknown at this time.  This case is not gang related.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Division Detectives are asking the public to provide information that would lead to the arrest of a suspect wanted for killing 20-year-old Jose Arroyo.

On August 29, 2010, around 2:37 a.m., Foothill Patrol Officers responded to a radio call of an Ambulance Assault with Deadly Weapon in the 8400 block of Lankershim Boulevard in the North Hollywood area of Foothill Division.  Officers discovered 20-year-old Jose Arroyo, a North Hollywood resident, dead from a gunshot wound.  

Detectives interviewed numerous witnesses who gave accounts of the shooting.  The location is a rental hall that was being used for a wedding reception.  As the event ended for the evening, there was a dispute to the rear of the building between several parties that had attended the reception. The dispute lead to a shooting, and a male Hispanic suspect discharged a firearm killing the victim.  Several persons ran from the scene.  

According to detectives investigating the crime, 28-year-old Miguel Ochoa and his brother 19-year-old Axel Chavez were the two suspects involved in the dispute.  The dispute lead to a shooting and one of the suspects shot Arroyo killing him.  Ochoa and Chavez ran away from the scene.  As they were leaving the area, the suspects were involved in a single motor vehicle traffic accident on the freeway.  Miguel Ochoa is a civilian security officer employed by the County of Los Angeles.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time.   The weapon is in custody and the motive is unknown.  This case is not gang related.      
 
Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Foothill Detectives Farell and Byers at 818-834-3115.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.