Homicide Bureau

Family Seeks Help to Solve the Murder of carlos Alvarez-Diaz-$30,000 Reward 1024 768 SIB Staff

Family Seeks Help to Solve the Murder of carlos Alvarez-Diaz-$30,000 Reward

Family Members Seek Public’s Help to Solve the Murder of their Loved One, Detectives Announce $30,000 Reward

On Wednesday May 17, 2023, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s (LASD) Homicide Bureau, City Officials from Hawaiian Gardens and relatives of the victim held a press conference to announce a $30,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the identity, arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Carlos Alvarez-Diaz. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $20,000 and the city of Hawaiian Gardens offered an additional $10,000, for a total of $30,000.

On October 8, 2022, at approximately 1:09 a.m., LASD deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, gunshot victim call at the 22300 block of Wardham Avenue, in the city of Hawaiian Gardens, CA. 

Upon arrival, deputies observed Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz lying on the ground, near his vehicle, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. 

The Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived on scene and pronounced Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz deceased. A 14-year-old was also struck by gunfire but survived. 

Homicide investigators learned Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz was shot while he drove north on Norwalk Boulevard at 226th Street, in the city of Hawaiian Gardens. Investigators believe Mr. Carlos Alvarez-Diaz was an innocent victim of this senseless act of violence.

The suspect vehicle is described as a dark-colored, four-door vehicle with several males inside.  The shooter was described as a Hispanic male, in his late teens or early 20’s, wearing a black t-shirt and black beanie.  The vehicle was last seen northbound on Norwalk Boulevard.

Carlos Alvarez-Diaz grew up in Hawaiian Gardens and was a resident of San Bernardino at the time of his death. He was a family man whose greatest joys were his two daughters and his unborn son. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.   

 “My brother was not a gang member. He was not looking for trouble. He was just driving his car around and unfortunately, he was the victim of a senseless act of violence. He leaves behind a wife, two girls and a baby boy who is never going to meet his dad. If anybody knows anything, we ask that you please call this number and give us information. Don’t do it for the money, do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Carlos’ brother, Adrian Diaz.

“Those responsible for murdering Carlos Alvarez-Diaz and shooting and injuring a 14-year-old are still at large. If you have any information that could help Sheriff’s detectives solve this case, I urge you to come forward.  Carlos’s family need and deserve answers. I appreciate the Sheriff Department’s attention to this case and our partnership in bringing this reward forward,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn in a written statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or (323) 697-7327. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Family Seeks public’s help to solve Murder of Donte Lee Johnson 768 1024 SIB Staff

Family Seeks public’s help to solve Murder of Donte Lee Johnson

Detectives and Family Members Seek the Public’s Help to Solve the Murder of Philadelphia Resident Donte Lee Johnson; $20,000 Reward

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives held a press conference on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, to announce a $20,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of 30-year-old- Donte Lee Johnson. The reward was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

On March 5, 2021, at approximately 2:09 p.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, and gunshot victim call, at 609 N. Long Beach Boulevard, Compton, CA. Upon arrival, deputies found Donte Lee Johnson on the ground, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. Unfortunately, the victim, Donte Lee Johnson, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Mr. Johnson, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was visiting friends to attend a social gathering in the City of Compton. Donte and his friends were at the location when they encountered the suspect, who produced a handgun and began firing in their direction. After the shooting, the suspect entered the rear passenger seat of an awaiting silver Chrysler PT Cruiser, which drove west on Elm Street from Long Beach Blvd. and out of view. The PT Cruiser was missing two hubcaps, had oxidation on the roof, and had a sticker on the lower left corner of the rear window. Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related and Donte was an innocent victim of the senseless act of violence.

Donte Lee Johnson’s younger brother was killed in 2011 in Philadelphia, and his mother, Movita Johnson-Harrell, created the CHARLES Foundation (Creating Healthy Alternatives Results in Less Emotional Suffering) in his memory. Donte advocated ending gun violence, speaking at events including the House of Representatives and the Senate. In his speeches, he would label himself as an “endangered species.” Donte and his family worked tirelessly so that other families would not experience the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. In addition to fighting gun violence, Donte worked in the family business since the age of 16, caring for people with mental disabilities. He was a loving father to a 9-year-old girl and a 4-year-old-boy.

“My son came down the steps on March 4th, 2021, kissed me on my left cheek five times, looked me in my eyes and said, ‘mom, I love you. I’ll see you later,’ and the next time my son came home was in a box,” said Donte’s mom, Movita Johnson-Harrell.

Detectives believe there are witnesses in the area who may have seen or know the suspects’ identities. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Press Conference

Image of LASD Leutenant standing at a podium with a flyer that reads Case Solved.
Sheriff and Homicide Detectives announce a Solved Cold Case from the 1980s 1024 819 SIB Staff

Sheriff and Homicide Detectives announce a Solved Cold Case from the 1980s

Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Homicide Detectives announce a Solved Cold Case from the 1980’s

On Sunday, October 13, 1985, Victim David R. Evans was brutally beaten to death inside his residence in Claremont, CA. His body was discovered by Claremont Police Officers when neighbors called to report a possible burglary. At the time of the murder, the 57-year-old victim was the Vice President at Pomona First Federal Bank and former Pomona Unified School District Superintendent. David was divorced and lived by himself. In 1985, the investigation had few leads, and no suspects were identified. 

In 2006, advancements in forensic technology prompted investigators to re-analyze evidence discovered at the scene of the crime. The analysis led to the identification of Hillery Marcus Dupleasis as a person of interest. Over the next several years, the ongoing investigation failed to further implicate Dupleasis to the case. Investigators were also unable to establish that Dupleasis resided in California at the time of the crime.

In 2020, Detectives Shaun McCarthy and Bill Marsh re-investigated the case with the help of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Scientific Services Bureau and they were able to link Dupleasis, a person of interest identified in 2006, as the suspect in the murder of David Evans. 

Investigators were able to definitively determine Dupleasis lived in the San Gabriel Valley during the time of the murder and were also able to link Dupleases to the Victim’s 1980 Chevrolet Monza that was stolen immediately after his murder and abandoned in Covina, approximately two hours later.

Dupleasis is currently incarcerated in a New York State Prison, serving an extensive sentence for an unrelated murder. He will be eligible for parole in that case, in 2033.

On May 2, 2022, 1stdegree murder charges were filed against Dupleasis by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The 36-year-old cold case murder was solved by detectives assigned to the Homicide Bureau’s Unsolved Unit. Detectives worked closely with investigators from the Claremont Police Department, New York State Police, and the New York Department of Corrections.

It is never too late to provide information that will assist detectives solve a case. If someone knows something about a crime, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. They can also provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or use their smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Image of Victim, David Evans
Image of suspect Hillery Marcus Dupleasis

Press Conference Video

Family Seeks Public’s Help To Solve The Murder of Otis Rayjon Williams 1024 683 SIB Staff

Family Seeks Public’s Help To Solve The Murder of Otis Rayjon Williams

On Monday, February 9, 2022, Homicide Bureau detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department held a press conference to ask for the public’s help for information leading to the identification of the vehicle and suspect(s) responsible for the murder of Otis Rayjon Williams.

On Friday, July 3, 2020, at approximately 8:30 p.m., 14 year-old Otis Rayjon Williams was shot and killed while walking to a local market listening to music, in an alley south of 98th Street between Central Avenue and Pace Avenue. This tragic incident occurred in the Florence-Firestone area of Los Angeles.

Detectives released video of the incident which shows the suspect vehicle stopped, the suspect’s arm reached out of the driver side window, and attempted to fire at Otis. It appeared the gun malfunctioned, and the suspect cleared the malfunction by racking the slide of the gun. Once cleared, the suspect fired several shots at Otis, striking him in the upper torso. The vehicle fled west on 98th Street, then onto South Central Avenue and out of view.

The suspect vehicle is described as a 2015-2018 blue Dodge Challenger and had no front license plate. At the time of the shooting, the hood, roof and trunk had a broad dark-colored stripe that runs from the front to the back. In addition, it had a dark-colored rear spoiler and an insignia reading “Challenger RT” on the front grill.

Otis was 14 years old and the youngest of 7 siblings. Otis enjoyed playing basketball, listening to music and loved joking with his siblings.

“He was a good boy. He was respectful and he respected all his elders and we just miss him. He was the baby. I have 7 kids and he was the baby of the family. He was my little buddy. I don’t understand how this can happen and why? My main thing is why?…He was just a kid, why would you do that? I’m just hoping the public knows something and comes forward” said Francine Brazil, Otis’ mom.

If you have information about Otis’ senseless murder, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Homicide Det & Family Members Ask for the Public’s Help to solve Murder of Luis Paul Rivera 819 1024 SIB Staff

Homicide Det & Family Members Ask for the Public’s Help to solve Murder of Luis Paul Rivera

Detectives and family members are asking for the public’s help for any information that will lead them to those responsible for the murder of 40-year-old victim Luis Paul Rivera, known as Paul by family and friends.

Paul was a single father of two teenagers and on Monday, July 1, 2019, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Paul was making lunch for his daughter and went to his garage to get hot dog buns from a refrigerator and that’s where he was shot and killed, in his own home. Detectives showed pictures of two vehicles involved in the murder: a black Chevrolet SUV and a red Lincoln SUV. The case is considered a gang murder even though Paul was not a gang member. Paul was a truck driver who was on the final process to be hired as a long shore man. A gang murder occurred the night before on the 15400 block of Temple Ave. in the City of La Puente, and it is believed that Rivera’s murder was in retaliation, but the murderers simply got the wrong house. Paul was a true innocent victim.

The victim’s mother made an emotional plea to find those who murdered her son. “Every day I talk to him in the garage because that’s the last place he had life. I want justice for my son’s death,” said Paul’s mother, Connie Rivera.

Anyone with information about the murder of Luis Paul Rivera is encouraged to call Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google Play or the App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Updated Info – Deputy-Involved Shooting in South Los Angeles 774 435 SIB Staff

Updated Info – Deputy-Involved Shooting in South Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva Provides Update on the Dijon Kizzee Investigation

Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference today, Thursday, September 17, 2020, to announce the latest developments surrounding the death of Dijon Kizzee.

Sheriff Villanueva gave a perspective of the community of where the shooting occurred and showed a series of PowerPoint slides depicting a one-mile radius where Suspect Dijon Kizzee was shot. A total of 12 homicides, 163 aggravated assaults, and 115 offenses with weapons have occurred since January of 2020. Sheriff Villanueva added that although it appears to be a high crime area, most of the residents are law-abiding citizens. The Sheriff’s Department is trying to protect the community. The Sheriff further stated most youth programs in the community had been eliminated due to budget cuts, and that has an impact when it comes to crime.  

The Captain of Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, Kent Wegener, gave a detailed briefing of the shooting. On August 31, 2020, at 3:14 p.m., deputies attempted to detain Suspect Kizzee for a traffic violation, but he refused to stop and fled on his bicycle. He fell off the bicycle, abandoned it, and ran from deputies on Budlong Avenue. Deputies returned to their patrol and began checking the area for Kizzee.

When the deputies located Suspect Kizzee on 109th Place, west of Budlong Ave., the passenger deputy exited the patrol vehicle and attempted to detain him. Suspect Kizzee briefly raised his hands; he had a green towel in one hand and a black and red jacket in the other hand, as the deputy approached him. Suspect Kizzee lowered his hands, then struggled with the deputy before punching the deputy in the face. During the struggle, the handgun Suspect Kizzee was carrying fell to the ground. Seeing the handgun fall, Deputies drew their pistols as Suspect Kizzee stopped, bent over, reached back, and picked up the pistol. Deputies fired and struck him several times, causing the gun to fall again. Paramedics responded, and Suspect Kizzee was pronounced dead at the scene.                    

At the time the deputy-involved shooting occurred, Suspect Kizzee was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his status as a convicted felon. The handgun he had was a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. 

Protocols were followed, and the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau responded to the scene. Representatives from the Internal Affairs Bureau, the Inspector General’s Office, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Justice System Integrity Division, also responded. Witnesses were interviewed, and their testimony was recorded. Several videos were obtained, and some of those videos were shared by users on social media. An autopsy was performed on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, and the report has not yet been completed.

During the investigation, it was discovered the pistol in Suspect Kizzee’s possession at the time of the shooting was reported stolen during a residential burglary in Las Vegas, Nevada, back in February of 2017. When it was recovered at the scene, it had 15 live rounds.

 The cellular phone of Suspect Kizzee was forensically reviewed, and videos were discovered, which show him in possession of the same handgun.

During the news conference, several videos of the shooting incident were shown.

From the beginning of the investigation, Sheriff Villanueva assured a thorough, transparent, and objective investigation, no matter how long it would take. Once the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office to determine if the force used by the deputies violated any criminal laws.

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Detectives continue their investigation into a deputy-involved

Homicide detectives continue their investigation into a deputy-involved shooting in the uninc Gardena area

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding a deputy-involved shooting. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at approximately 5:52 P.M. at the 400 Block of Redondo Beach Blvd, in the unincorporated Gardena area.

Homicide Investigators have learned that deputies from the Compton Sheriff’s Station observed the suspect in the area of the location. The suspect looked toward the deputies and produced a firearm then proceeded to run south bound between two businesses. A short foot pursuit ensued and at the conclusion, the deputies contacted the suspect and a deputy involved shooting occurred.

The suspect was struck by gunfire in the upper torso and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The suspect was described as a Male Hispanic between 18 – 20 years old.

A handgun was recovered at the scene.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

This investigation is in its preliminary stages and there is no additional information available at this time.

Whenever a deputy-involved shooting occurs involving Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, and a person is struck by gunfire, multiple independent investigations immediately begin at the scene. These include separate investigations by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department immediately notifies the Office of the Inspector General who sends a representative to the incident scene and provides independent oversight throughout the investigative process. Once concluded, a preliminary review is conducted by the Critical Incident Review Panel to determine whether any immediate actions are warranted. Every aspect of the shooting is reviewed by the Sheriff’s Executive Force Review Committee. Input from Constitutional Policing Advisors is provided during the process. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Justice System Integrity Division, conducts a legal analysis to determine whether any criminal charges will be filed and if the shooting was legally justified.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), using your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google play or the App Store, or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Forwarded by:
Deputy James Nagao
Sheriff’s Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice – First floor
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

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Alex Villanueva, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

LASD HOMICIDE DETECTIVES CONTINUE THEIR INVESTIGATION 297 294 SIB Staff

LASD HOMICIDE DETECTIVES CONTINUE THEIR INVESTIGATION

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding a deputy-involved shooting. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at approximately 4:33 P.M. at the 3400 block of 15th Street West, in the City of Rosamond.

Homicide Investigators have learned that Detectives from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station were investigating a case involving domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, terrorist threats and false imprisonment. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office had filed 12 felony charges against the suspect and there was an active warrant for his arrest. Palmdale Detectives enlisted the help of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau-Surveillance Apprehension Team, to locate and arrest the suspect. The suspect was reportedly armed with a black, semi-automatic handgun when he assaulted the victim.

The suspect was identified as 31 year old Terron Jammal Boone, of Palmdale. It was reported that he was the half-brother of Robert Fuller, who had been discovered hanging from a tree on June 10, 2020 and is currently the subject of a death investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau and the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner – Coroner.

On June 17, 2020, the domestic violence investigation led the Major Crimes detectives to the 3400 block of 15th Street West in the City of Rosamond, in Kern County. The detectives observed a male who matched the wanted suspect’s description, seated in the front passenger’s seat of a blue SUV.

Detectives effected a traffic stop of the vehicle to identify the occupant and if confirmed, arrest the suspect. The vehicle was driven by an adult female, who was unrelated to the crime being investigated. As the vehicle came to a stop inside the parking lot of an apartment complex on 15th Street West, the suspect opened the front passenger door of the vehicle and fired several shots at the deputies, from a black, semi-automatic handgun, impacting a detective’s vehicle.

Three Detectives and their field supervisor returned fire, striking the suspect numerous times in the upper torso. The suspect was taken into custody. Paramedics responded to provide emergency medical treatment, however the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect’s handgun was recovered at the scene.

The female driver was also struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released.

A seven year old girl, who was seated in the rear seat of the vehicle, was uninjured. No deputies were injured.

The deceased suspect was positively identified as Terron Jammal Boone, by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.

Whenever a deputy-involved shooting occurs involving Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies, and a person is struck by gunfire, multiple independent investigations immediately begin at the scene. These include separate investigations by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department immediately notifies the Office of the Inspector General who sends a representative to the incident scene and provides independent oversight throughout the investigative process. Once concluded, a preliminary review is conducted by the Critical Incident Review Panel to determine whether any immediate actions are warranted. Every aspect of the shooting is reviewed by the Sheriff’s Executive Force Review Committee. Input from Constitutional Policing Advisors is provided during the process. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Justice System Integrity Division, conducts a legal analysis to determine whether any criminal charges will be filed and if the shooting was legally justified.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), using your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google play or the App Store, or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Forwarded by:
Deputy James Nagao
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Operations Center
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice – First floor 
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012