Los Angeles: LAPD Rampart Area Homicide Division detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate the suspect responsible for killing a 21-year-old man in Echo Park.
On April 8, 2012, around 1:40 a.m., gunshots were heard in the area of Kensington Road and Echo Park Terrace. About 20 minutes later, the victim’s family went outside to check on the victim who had been outside prior to the gunshots being heard. Family members discovered Etsael Cardenas seated inside his car which was parked on the street in the 1000 block of West Kensington Road. Cardenas was non-responsive but his injuries were not immediately noticed.
Rampart Area Patrol Officers responded to the location. Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance paramedics removed Cardenas from the car and initiated first aid. During CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), paramedics discovered Cardenas was in fact suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he died a short time later.
The suspect and the weapon are outstanding. The motive for the murder remains unknown at this time.
Anyone with information on this case is urged to call Rampart Area Homicide Detective M. Arteaga at 213-484-3650 or Rampart Area Watch Commander at 213-484-3400. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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.