What:
Press Conference by Van Nuys Operations Support Division

When:
March 16, 2001
11:30 a.m.

Where:
Van Nuys Area Community Police Station, 6420 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys (Outdoor Courtyard)

Who:
Homicide Detective A. Aldaz, Captain A. Young

Panorama City - On Sunday, November 26, 2000, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Van Nuys Area Community Police Station patrol officers responded to a radio call of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 14600 block of Blythe Street in Panorama City. Upon arrival to the location, responding officers discovered the body of a 32-year-old female Hispanic who had been shot in the upper torso.

According to witnesses, the victim, Magdalena Sandoval, was walking to a store on Blythe Street when she past a group of male Hispanic gang members who were standing nearby. At that time, a dark-colored car drove alongside her and the gang members began shooting at the vehicle who they believed to be full of rival gang members. An innocent bystander, Magdalena Sandoval was struck in the upper body and died shortly thereafter.

On March 16, 2001, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Van Nuys Homicide Detectives, along with police officers from Van Nuys Division, executed search warrants at various locations on four of the local gang members believed to be responsible for the murder of Magdalena Sandoval. The warrant searches resulted in the arrest of four (4) male Hispanic juveniles who have been booked for murder. Van Nuys Detectives will provide additional information and an opportunity to ask questions at today's press conference regarding the crime and arrest investigations. Members of Magdalena Sandoval's family will also attend the press conference today.

This press release was prepared by Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.