Officers Quick Response Results in Capture of Two Murder Suspects

September 4, 2008

Los Angeles:  A 16-year-old was gunned down amid gang shooting yesterday in the Westlake area of Los Angeles.
On September 3, 2008, at around 4:15 p.m., Miguel Angel Guzman was walking on the sidewalk near 5th Street and Bonnie Brae Avenue, when a tan Saturn with three occupants inside pulled up.  An unidentified man seated in the front passenger seat, asked Guzman what his gang affiliation was.  After Guzman revealed his gang name, the man got out of the vehicle armed with a handgun and fatally shot him in the chest.  The gunman returned to the Saturn and drove off.
Guzman was taken to University of Southern California Medical Center where he died a short time later.
As the shooting call was broadcasted, Rampart patrol officers quickly saturated the area and spotted the suspects’ Saturn in the 400 block of Witmer Street.  Officers detained Norma Cortez, 43, and a juvenile who stood near the car.  A third suspect ran away and remains at large.
Cortez and the juvenile were arrested and will be charged with murder.
Anyone with information is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detectives John Motto or Michael Arteaga at 213-484-3650.  On weekends or after hours, call the toll free 24-hour anonymous number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).