Suspect Arrested in Lori Gonzalez Murder

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, June 8, 2000

"Suspect Arrested in Lori Gonzalez Murder"

On May 28, 2000 at 10:15 P.M., Ms. Lori Gonzalez, granddaughter of Los Angeles Chief of Police Bernard C. Park, was shot and killed in the area of 3050 South La Brea Avenue. Detectives assigned to Robbery-Homicide Division responded to the crime scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, detectives received information from community members implicating Samuel Sharad Shabazz, age 18, as being the murderer of Ms. Gonzalez. As a result of information derived from the on-going investigation, detectives placed a Felony Want into the County Warrant System for Samuel Shabazz.

On June 6, uniformed officers assigned to Southwest Area detained Samuel Shabazz and a male associate at Ferndale Street and Orange Drive, Los Angeles, for drinking in public. The uniformed officers became aware of the Felony Want for suspect Shabazz and notified detectives assigned to Robbery-Homicide Division. Shabazz was subsequently transported to Robbery-Homicide Division for investigation.

On June 7, at approximately 1:00 AM, Samuel Shabazz was placed under arrest for 187 (A) PC (Murder) for the murder of Ms. Lori Gonzalez. Mr. Shabazz is currently being held at Jail Division with no bail.

The weapon used in the murder of Ms. Lori Gonzalez remains outstanding. Additional suspects who were involved in the murder of Ms. Lori Gonzalez also remain outstanding.

The investigation is continuing and is being conducted by Robbery-Homicide Division. Persons possessing information regarding this crime are requested to contact Robbery-Homicide Division at 213-485-2129. During non-business hours, please contact Detective Headquarters Division at 213-485-3214. The investigators assigned to this case are Lieutenant Clay Farrell, Detective Brian Carr and Detective Wally Tennelle.

For further information, please contact Media Relations Section at
213-485-3586.

For Release 2:00 pm PDT
June 8, 2000