Category: Violent Crimes


Santa Monica Man Charged With Murder

The surfsantamonica.com reported in a story on March 9, 2009 that Adel Chapel, 24 is the suspect in the death of Denise Figueroa, 22. Chapel is from Santa Monica and was already in custody for suspicion of carjacking. Police investigators also believe that he is behind several violent crimes in the San Fernando Valley. According to police, Figueroa was in a relationship with Chapel. KTLA-TV Fox affiliate in Los Angeles received an anonymous fax that led investigators to the woman’s body. It was addressed “To whom it may concern” and signed by “someone trying to help.” Investigators say that the… Read More

USC Student Murder Trial Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

The dailytrojan.com reported in a story on March 11, 2009 that Travion Ford, suspect in the September 2008 murder of USC student Bryan Frost, pleaded not guilty to one count ofmurder in Los Angeles. Ford sat in Los Angeles Superior court for his arraignment. Ford’s defense team led by Diane Butko suggested that they will need more time than 60 days to prepare for trial. Allegations of personal use of a deadly and dangerous weapon charges in Californiaduring his arraignment were denied by Ford. Kennes Ma, Deputy District Attorney, said, “After the preliminary hearing the case goes to trial court.… Read More

Los Angeles Violent Crime Has Man Facing Death Penalty

The cbs2.com website reported in an article that a judge will be deciding the fate of Ruben Becerrada, 45 on whether to send him to death row or life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his girlfriend. According to court reports Superior Court Judge William R. Pounders will first decide whether Becerrada should receive a new trial as his defense attorney motioned. Becerrada was tried last September for manslaughter of his girlfriend Maria Arevalo, 22 back in the year 2000. She had accused him of raping her in the year 1999 and was also found… Read More

Los Angeles Shooting Suspects Arrested In Connection with Attack of USC Track Star

The dailytrojan.com reported in an account on February 11, 2009 that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the October shooting of USC star track runner Bryshon Nellum. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office named Travon Reed of Los Angeles, and Horasio Kimbrough of Inglewood, each 21 years of age, as the shooters in thisLos Angeles assault with a deadly weapon. John Flores, LAPD detective, said the suspects are believed to be in the Fruit Town Brims gang that is a wing of the Bloods. As Nellum left Leonardo’s Night Club, he was shot several times in his… Read More

Orange County Mobile Home Homicide Involving Sales Workers

The latimes.com website reported in a story on February 11, 2009 that police announced that the two workers from Stanton mobile home sales were indeed shot to death at work last week. Matthew Frances Scott, 42 a salesman for the company from Costa Mesa, and Elizabeth Palmer, 49 secretary for the company from Fountain Valley were shot in the upper torso behind a desk at work in this violent crime in California. Jim Amormino, Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson said, “We believe this is not a random act.” Palmer’s husband, Richard Palmer, who spoke and texted with his wife just… Read More

North Hollywood Homicide, Police Looking For Suspect

The examiner.com website reported in an account on February 11, 2009 that the LAPD announced that a Gilberto Solano, 21 was shot and killed. About a quarter after 9 pm Solano was shot in the 6600 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Upon arriving on the scene police officers found Solano with a gunshot to his chest. He was taken to a local hospital were he was pronounced dead shortly after. Crime scene investigators believe Solano got into a verbal argument with a rival gang member. When Solano walked away the suspect went to his car and got a gun then… Read More

White Collar Crime of Glendale Man Gets Prison Time

The dailynews.com reported in a story on February 10, 2009 that Carlos Serrano, 64 of Glendale has been sentenced by the U.S. Justice Department to 18 months prison time and ordered to repay nearly $1,000,000 in restitution. He was convicted last September of bank fraud and conspiring to commit bank fraud against First International Bank of Connecticut and Export-Import Bank of the United States. Serrano is one of 8 people who were being investigated for conspiring to commit bank fraud worth more than $80 million. White collar crime is used a lot these days, you hear it in the news… Read More

Oxnard Assault Suspect Restrained

The Ventura County Star website reported in a story on January 20, 2009 that the heads-up action of bystanders thwarted an assault on Leonel Madrigal, 26 of Oxnard. According to witnesses, Filiberto Mata, 19 of Oxnard was intoxicated and got into a fight with Madrigal at about 9:30pm in the 1300 block of Commercial Avenue. It is said that the two men have a long standing feud, which resulted in this Ventura violent crime. Oxnard police officer Edward reported that Mata pulled out a small gun from his waist and aimed it at Madrigal. It is not clear if the… Read More

LA Public Asked For Help To Find Killer Of 4 Year Old

The Daily News website reported on January 15, that yet another innocent child, just 4 years old, died on the streets of Los Angeles as a result of gang violence. Roberto Lopez, Jr., 4 was walking with his sister on his way to a community center two houses down from their home when he was struck in the violent crime. Serafin Gonzalez, the boy’s grandfather, who was inside the house said they were about to call in the kids for dinner when they heard gunshots. Gonzalez said his granddaughter came in crying “They hit Robert! They hit Robert!” Thinking it… Read More

Inglewood Off-duty Police Officer Shot

The Daily News website reported on January 20, 2009 that a 33 year old Inglewood police officer was shot while standing next to his car on the 500 block of West Hyde Park Boulevard sometime around midnight. According to the authorities, the gunshots came from a vehicle described as a white Toyota Camry. The unidentified officer returned fire, but it was not known if anyone in the vehicle was struck. Police Lt. Mike McBride stated that the police officer was in “stable but guarded condition.” It is not entirely clear why the police officer was at that location, but early… Read More

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