$25,000 Reward For Information Leading to Arrest of Murder Suspect

June 27, 2001

What: Press Conference

When: Thursday, June 28, 2001 10:00 a.m.

Where: 2710 West Temple Street Rampart Community Police Station in front

Who: Rampart Homicide Detectives and Victim’s Family

Los Angeles – On May 14, 2001, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Rampart patrol officers responded to the rear alley of 1800 West Bellevue Avenue. Upon arrival officers found the victim slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his upper torso and his vehicle had collided with a parked vehicle.

Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance responded to the location and transported the victim to USC Medical Center. The victim, identified as Jose Luis Casteneda, male Hispanic, 38 years of age succumbed to his injuries on May 16, 2001.

The investigation revealed that shortly before 9:00 p.m., the victim observed his 14 year-old daughter, and his 3 year-old son in the rear alley behind his residence. His daughter was in the company of some older male adults, who are believed to be members of a local gang. The victim confronted his daughter and told her to go home. The victim then picked up his son and placed him into his vehicle. As the victim’s daughter walked away, he drove to the front of his house to ensure that his daughter was safe. The victim then returned to the alley to park his car in the garage.

Witnesses heard gunshots and a loud crash. The motive for the shooting is believed to be gang related. The suspect(s) are still outstanding.

The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) in this murder case. As the person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles has issued a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person(s) responsible for the death of Casteneda.

Rampart Homicide Detectives along with the victim’s family will be at this press conference. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Toledo at 213-207-2161.

This press release was prepared by Officer La Donna Cissell, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.