City officials offer reward for capture of Gramercy Park shooter
Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard C. Parks offered a $50,000 reward Tuesday for information that could lead to the capture of the shooter who killed a man in Gramercy Park last week.
On Feb. 9, Herbert Seymour Jr., a 31-year-old black man, was walking home from a nearby liquor store near 105th Street and Western Avenue about 10:40 p.m. when an unknown person approached from behind and shot him several times, according to an LAPD news release.
Authorities were called and Seymour was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 11 p.m.
Investigators said the assailant was last seen fleeing the area on foot heading north on Western Avenue toward 104th Street.
The killer is described as a black male in his late teens to early 20s.
Police said the motive for the shooting remains unknown.
Since January 2007, at least 467 homicides have been reported within four miles of Seymour's shooting, according to coroner’s data collected for the Homicide Report.
Anyone with information about the death of Herbert Seymour Jr. or the identity of the shooter is asked to contact 77th Street Criminal Gang and Homicide Division Det. Eric Crosson or Sam Arnold at (213) 485-1383. During non-business hours, calls should be made to (877) LAPD-24-7. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
— Sarah Ardalani
Photo: Cynthia Seymour hugs daughter Christian, 11, after the L.A. Police Department announced a $50,000 reward for information in the killing ...
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Posted: Feb. 17, 2011 at 2:52 p.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 11:05 p.m.
Man pleads no contest to 2008 beating death of friend
Alex Quintana, a 22-year-old Latino, pleaded no contest last week to the charge of first-degree murder in the death of Fernando Garcia, a 21-year-old Latino, according to a Los Angeles County district attorney's news release.
Prosecutor Hubert Yun said Quintana admitted to the "allegation that the murder was done willfully, deliberately and with premeditation." The defendant also confessed to using a sledgehammer during the killing.
Authorities allege that on Nov. 17, 2008, Quintana bound his friend Garcia's wrists with a power cord from a video game console, and then hit him several times with the sledgehammer.
He then wrapped the victim's body in blankets and left him in a trash can at a residence in Boyle Heights.
According to police, the hammer was found on a dresser in the garage where Garcia was killed.
After the killing, Quintana fled to Nevada, but was arrested more than a week later. He was linked to the murder when DNA analysis confirmed that Garcia's blood was on his shoes, officials said.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ronald Rose said Quintana will be sentenced March 1. He faces a minimum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison.
— Sarah Ardalani
Top photo: Fernando Garcia. Credit: LAPD. Bottom photo: Adam Quintana booking photo. Credit: LAPD
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Posted: Feb. 16, 2011 at 2:30 p.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 10:34 p.m.
Gang member convicted in murder of high school football player
A Compton gang member was convicted Feb. 14 in the 2009 shooting death of a high school football player.
Arlon Watson, a 22 year-old black man, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Dannie Farber, an 18-year-old black man.
On May 24, Farber, an All-City wide receiver from Harbor City's Narbonne High School, and his girlfriend were eating at Louisiana Fried Chicken in Compton about 9:40 p.m. when Watson walked through a side door and approached their table, police said.
"Where you from?" Watson said. Sensing danger, Farber replied, “I don’t gangbang.”
Watson shot Farber several times and ran out the door, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Det. Eddie Brown said. Farber tried to crawl toward the door but collapsed near the counter.
Investigators later confirmed that Farber was not involved in gangs and that Watson killed the young man based only on suspicions that his gang turf was being infringed upon.
Watson, who was arrested eight months after the shooting, faces 80 years to life in prison.
Reporter Shan Li has more: Gang member convicted in 2009 murder of Narbonne High football star
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Posted: Feb. 16, 2011 at 1:41 p.m.
Updated: Feb. 16, 2011 at 10:18 p.m.
Raul Valentin, 17
Died Feb. 10, 2011
Raul Valentin, identified by the coroner's office as a 17-year-old white man, died Thursday, Feb. 10, a day after he was shot in the 800 block of West 88th Street in Vermont Vista, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
[Note: Although the coroner's office listed Valentin as white, LAPD officials say he was Latino.]
Valentin was shot in the head Feb. 9 about 3:40 p.m., said LAPD Criminal Gang and Homicide Det. Scott Smith.
An unknown person drove by the victim, exited the car, shot Valentin then drove off, Smith said.
Authorities were called and Valentin was taken to California Hospital Medical Center where he died the next day.
No arrests have been made in connection with the case. The shooter was described as a male driving a light-colored sedan.
Valentin was a documented gang member, Smith said, and the shooting was gang-related.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det. Kerri Potter or Rick Feria at (213) 485-4341. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Sarah Ardalani
More in: Vermont Vista, 17, Male, Gunshot, Thursday, LAPD South Bureau Homicide, White, Drive-by
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:57 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 4:32 p.m.
Jose Roman, 18
Died Feb. 13, 2011
Jose Roman, an 18-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Sunday, Feb. 13, near West 1st and South Palos Verdes streets in San Pedro, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Roman, of San Pedro, was discovered just after 6 p.m. with gunshot wounds to his back. Deputies responding to reports of gunfire found him, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Paramedics took Roman to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Homicide detectives believe Roman was one of four men standing outside a residence on Palos Verdes when an argument broke out and escalated into a fistfight. Detectives believe the shooting was gang-related.
They were searching for a Latino with long curly hair in his mid-20s, last seen wearing a baggy white shirt, who is suspected of pulling a handgun and firing at Roman.
They also were looking for a Latino in his mid-20s last seen wearing a red shirt and suspected of fleeing the scene.
They ask that anyone with information call Harbor Area homicide Dets. Rodriguez or Batres at (310) 726-7886. Tipsters who'd like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Tony Barboza
More in: San Pedro, 18, Male, Gunshot, Sunday, LAPD Harbor, Latino, Fight, Front yard
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:51 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 4:33 p.m.
Averon Fletcher, 45 [Updated]
Died Feb. 13, 2011
Averon Fletcher, a 45-year-old black man, died Sunday, Feb. 13, after he was believed to have sustained trauma near West 126th Street and Kornblum Avenue in Hawthorne, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Sheriff's homicide Det. Mark Lillienfeld, who is handling the case, said Fletcher died of heart disease at Gardena Memorial Hospital. His death is not being investigated as a homicide, Lillienfeld said.
Preliminary coroner's records show Fletcher had trauma to his right rib area and note that he had been kicked several times.
Lillienfeld said the rib trauma was from a fight Fletcher had several weeks before he died and his injuries were not related to his passing.
The coroner's office said Feb. 16 that they have not completed an autopsy and could not provide a final cause of death.
The Times will follow up with coroner's officials when tests are completed and post an update on the case as soon as possible.
[Update Feb. 17: Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said a cause of death has been deferred. A final determination will not be available for several weeks, he said.]
— Sarah Ardalani
More in: Hawthorne, 45, Male, Blunt force, Sunday, Hawthorne PD, Black
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:51 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 4:34 p.m.
Alfonso Nava, 26
Died Feb. 13, 2011
Salvador Medina gladly helped his friend Alfonso Nava walk to his home in Exposition Park after a long night of drinking two weeks ago, lending him his sweater to help fight off the cold. The two were like brothers.
But early Sunday morning, Medina awoke to gunshots in his front yard and ran outside to find Nava on the sidewalk, choking on his own blood, and another friend bleeding to death nearby.
“There was blood everywhere, on the steps and everything,” said Medina, 20. “I looked and saw my friend just twitching. I felt his heart, I hugged him, and he was gone. He was holding my arm, and I just felt him let go. My shorts, my stomach, my arm, they were all covered in blood.”
He had desperately tried to save his friend’s life. Following a 911 dispatcher’s instructions before paramedics arrived, he had cut off Nava's shirt and pumped on his stomach. Days later, as he talked about that night, Medina pulled out the tiny silver scissors from his jeans pocket. He has been carrying them since Sunday morning.
Alfonso “Junior” Nava, a 26-year-old Latino, and Diego Garcia, a 25-year-old Latino, were killed early Sunday morning, Feb. 13 outside Medina’s home in the 1800 block of Leighton Avenue in Exposition Park.
“We suspect that it is gang-related,” said Det. David Garrido, with the LAPD Southwest Division homicide unit.
Another victim, Alfonso Richards, was shot in the chest and arm and taken to California ...
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More in: Exposition Park, 26, Male, Gunshot, Sunday, LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide, Latino, Walk-up, Front yard
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:50 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 18, 2011 at 12:51 p.m.
Diego Garcia, 25
Died Feb. 13, 2011
Salvador Medina gladly helped his friend Alfonso Nava walk to his home in Exposition Park after a long night of drinking two weeks ago, lending him his sweater to help fight off the cold. The two were like brothers.
But early Sunday morning, Medina awoke to gunshots in his front yard and ran outside to find Nava on the sidewalk, choking on his own blood, and another friend bleeding to death nearby.
“There was blood everywhere, on the steps and everything,” said Medina, a 20-year-old Exposition Park resident. “I looked and saw my friend just twitching. I felt his heart, I hugged him, and he was gone. He was holding my arm, and I just felt him let go. My shorts, my stomach, my arm, they were all covered in blood.”
He had desperately tried to save his friend’s life. Following a 911 dispatcher’s instructions before the first paramedics arrived, he had cut off Nava's shirt and pumped on his stomach. Days later, as he talked about that night, Medina pulled out the tiny silver scissors from his jeans pocket. He has been carrying them since Sunday morning.
Alfonso “Junior” Nava, a 26-year-old Latino, and Diego Garcia, a 25-year-old Latino, were killed early Sunday morning, Feb. 13 outside Medina’s home in the 1800 block of Leighton Avenue in Exposition Park.
“We suspect that it is gang-related,” said Det. David Garrido, with the LAPD Southwest Division homicide unit.
A third victim, Alfonso Richards, was shot in the ...
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More in: Exposition Park, 25, Male, Gunshot, Sunday, LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide, Latino, Walk-up, Front yard
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:50 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 18, 2011 at 12:50 p.m.
Jubal Guevara-Trinidad, 55
Died Feb. 13, 2011
Jubal Guevara-Trinidad, a 55-year-old Latino, died Sunday, Feb. 13, after he was hit by a car in the 100 block of East 43rd Street in Historic South-Central, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
In the early morning hours, police received a radio call about a traffic collision. When authorities arrived, they pronounced Guevara-Trinidad dead at the scene, said LAPD Newton Det. Tommy Thompson, who is handling the case.
According to coroner's records, he was "struck by vehicle multiple times and drug."
During the investigation, detectives learned a fight led to Guevara-Trinidad being hit by a car in an alleyway.
Thompson said investigators have the vehicle and have identified a person of interest.
Citing the ongoing investigation, he declined to provide additional details about the case, although he noted the incident was not gang-related.
Anyone with information about the death of Jubal Guevara-Trinidad is asked to contact Det. Thompson at (323) 846-6556. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
— Sarah Ardalani
More in: Historic South-Central, 55, Male, Blunt force, Sunday, LAPD Newton, Latino, Fight, Alley
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:50 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 4:38 p.m.
Brandon Jackson, 18
Died Feb. 12, 2011
Brandon Jackson, an 18-year-old black man, was shot and killed Saturday, Feb. 12, in the 300 block of Palm Street in Altadena, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Jackson was leaving a party about 10:40 p.m. when he walked by a car and was shot, said Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office.
The victim was taken to Huntington Hospital in Pasadena where he was pronounced dead less than 15 minutes later, Winter said.
The Times has contacted investigators to obtain additional details about the case and will post an update as soon as possible.
Anyone with information about the death of Brandon Jackson is asked to contact the L.A. County sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
— Sarah Ardalani
More in: Altadena, 18, Male, Gunshot, Saturday, LASD Homicide, Black
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:50 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 10:26 p.m.
Ismael Garcia, 28
Died Feb. 12, 2011
Ismael Garcia, a 28-year-old Latino, was found dead Saturday, Feb. 12, in the 10100 block of England Avenue in Inglewood, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Officers responded to a call of an unconscious person in car in an alley about 7:30 p.m., according to an Inglewood Police Department news release.
When authorities arrived, they found Garcia's body seated in the car with a gunshot wound to the head. Paramedics were called and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
A friend who contacted the Homicide Report said Garcia was an anti-violence advocate who worked as a sheet metal worker. He is survived by two brothers, one sister, a girlfriend and a newborn baby girl.
Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact Inglewood Police homicide investigators at (310) 412-5246 or the 24-hour anonymous hot line (888) 41-CRIME (888-412-7463).
— Sarah Ardalani
More in: Inglewood, 28, Male, Gunshot, Saturday, Inglewood PD, Latino, Parked vehicle
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:50 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 4:40 p.m.
Unknown male [Updated]
Died Feb. 12, 2011
An unknown male died Saturday, Feb. 12.
[Update Feb. 17: Coroner's officials said the unknown person is a male. Preliminary coroner's records did not initially determine a gender.
Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said his office has yet to officially identify the individual and notify next of kin about the death.]
More in: Male, Saturday, LASD Homicide
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:50 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 11:07 p.m.
Anthony Jimenez, 24
Died Feb. 11, 2011
Anthony Jimenez, a 24-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Friday, Feb. 11, in the 2100 block of East Bliss Street in Willowbrook, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
The shooting was reported in the backyard of a home about 8:45 p.m., Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.
Three other victims, Angel Jimenez, 25, Luis Jimenez, 26, and Martin Haro, 25, were pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner’s records show Angel and Luis Jimenez died from several gunshot wounds, while Haro died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Anthony Jimenez was taken to St. Francis Medical Center and underwent surgery. He later died from several gunshot wounds.
The Jimenezes were brothers and Haro was their cousin, according to a coroner's investigator who declined to be identified.
During the investigation, authorities learned two Latinos were seen fleeing the area in a black sport utility vehicle after the shooting but it was unknown whether the car was related to the killings.
Lt. Don Slawson said the incident is believed to be gang-related.
Anyone with information is urged to call homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
— Larry Gordon and Sarah Ardalani
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:50 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 4:42 p.m.
Martin Haro, 25
Died Feb. 11, 2011
Martin Haro, a 25-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Friday, Feb. 11, in the 2100 block of East Bliss Street in Willowbrook, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
The shooting was reported in the backyard of a home about 8:45 p.m., Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.
Two other victims, Angel Jimenez, 25, and Luis Jimenez, 26, were pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner’s records show both men died from several gunshot wounds, while Haro died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Another victim, Anthony Jimenez, 24, was taken to St. Francis Medical Center and underwent surgery. He later died from several gunshot wounds.
The Jimenez's were brothers and Haro was their cousin, according to a coroner's investigator who declined to be identified.
During the investigation, authorities learned two Latinos were seen fleeing the area in a black sports utility vehicle after the shooting but it's unknown whether the car was related to the killings.
Lt. Don Slawson said the incident is believed to be gang-related.
Anyone with information is urged to call homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
— Larry Gordon and Sarah Ardalani
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More in: Willowbrook, 25, Male, Gunshot, Friday, LASD Homicide, Latino, Backyard
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:49 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 4:43 p.m.
Luis Jimenez, 26
Died Feb. 11, 2011
Luis Jimenez, a 26-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Friday, Feb. 11, in the 2100 block of East Bliss Street in Willowbrook, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
The shooting was reported in the backyard of a home about 8:45 p.m., Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.
Two other victims, Angel Jimenez and Martin Haro, both 25, were pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner’s records show Angel Jimenez died from several gunshot wounds, while Haro died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Another victim, Anthony Jimenez, 24, was taken to St. Francis Medical Center and underwent surgery. He later died from several gunshot wounds.
The Jimenezes were brothers and Haro was their cousin, according to a coroner's investigator who declined to be identified.
During the investigation, authorities learned two Latinos were seen fleeing the area in a black sport utility vehicle after the shooting but it was unknown whether the car was related to the killings.
Lt. Don Slawson said the incident is believed to be gang-related.
Anyone with information is urged to call homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
— Larry Gordon and Sarah Ardalani
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More in: Willowbrook, 26, Male, Gunshot, Friday, LASD Homicide, Latino, Backyard
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Posted: Feb. 14, 2011 at 9:49 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 17, 2011 at 4:43 p.m.
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