Who:
Los Angeles City Councilperson Cindy Miscikowski, LAPD Deputy Chief David Kalish, LAPD Captain Richard C. Wemmer

What:
A Press Conference Announcing $25,000 Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest of the Killer of Three Restaurant Workers in Brentwood

When:
Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 8:30 a.m.

Where:
Intersection of Bundy Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles

Los Angeles: West Los Angeles Homicide Detectives are investigating a triple murder that occurred on Tuesday, August 27, 2002, at approximately 10:55 p.m. Four employees of the Koo-Koo-Roo Restaurant, located at Wilshire Boulevard and Bundy Avenue, had just completed their work shifts and were standing outside the front of the location. The victims were confronted by a male Hispanic, 20/30 years of age, 5’4"-5’5", approximately 160 lbs., medium complexion, goatee, wearing white shirt and black pants.

Speaking to one of the victims, the lone suspect pulled out a handgun, and fired several rounds at the victims. The suspect shot three of the victims and fled the location. The fourth victim escaped injury by running from the incident scene. The three gunshot victims were pronounced dead at the location by responding Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics.

The dead victims have been identified as Mario Cruz, 24 years of age, his brother Avelino Cruz, 23 years of age, and Jorge Rodriguez, 22 years of age. All the deceased victims were residents of the local West Los Angeles Area.

The motive for the killings has not been established and the detectives are working on several leads. Los Angeles City Councilperson, Cindy Miscikowski, successfully petitioned the Los Angeles City Council for a $25,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual who was responsible for the three murders. The location of the crime is a heavily traveled intersection and LAPD Detectives believe there are witnesses to the multiple slaying. The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance.

Anyone with information should contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Los Angeles Homicide Unit at 310-575-8441. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number to the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.