Passenger of Stolen Vehicle arrested for Murder

December 13, 2005

Los Angeles: Rampart Homicide Detectives are investigating the death of a 14-year-old male Hispanic. 
On December 12, 2005, at 4:20 PM, Rampart Patrol Officers responded to a Shots Fired Investigation at 1900 S. Magnolia Avenue.  Upon arrival, officers observed the victim in the front passenger seat, of a blue station wagon.  The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics arrived on scene and pronounced him dead upon arrival.
The investigation revealed the victim was a passenger in a blue 1988 Toyota Camry Wagon, with two fellow passengers as it was traveling southbound on Magnolia Avenue.  A confrontation occurred with an unknown male Hispanic driving a black Jeep.  The rear passenger in the blue station wagon armed himself with a handgun at which time an accidental discharge occurred striking the front passenger.  The rear passenger then fired the gun at the black Jeep.  Both the driver and rear passenger jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot as it came to a stop at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue.
Rampart Homicide Detectives arrived on scene.  Information was developed which led to the identity of both the driver and the rear passenger of the blue station wagon.  Detectives recovered the weapon used approximately one block from the shooting. 
Both subjects were taken into custody.  The driver was arrested for Grand Theft Auto and the rear passenger, 16 years old male Hispanic was arrested for Murder.
The male Hispanic driving the black Jeep remains outstanding.  It is unknown if he or his vehicle was struck by gunfire.  The motive for this shooting is believed to be gang related.  The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification to his family.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives Erwin or Detective Mota, Rampart Area Homicide Section, at 213-207-2060.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).