LASDHQ

money reward offered in shooting death of teen boys, athens village 1006 1024 SIB Staff

money reward offered in shooting death of teen boys, athens village

Homicide Bureau detectives announced a $10,000 reward during a press conference on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in Monterey Park.  The reward was sponsored by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Second District, approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and offered in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shooting death of both victims.

A call for service was dispatched late Thursday evening, October 15, 2020, and advised of a vehicle collision in the 100 block of East 124th Street, in an unincorporated community of Athens Village.  The call entailed a vehicle which drove up a curb and crashed into another car, but as deputies from Century Sheriff’s Station responded, the information in the call was upgraded to a shooting incident.

Lieutenant Brandon Dean said detectives determined 17-year-old Jamele Hill was the driver of the vehicle that night; he rode with 16-year-old Millyon Colquitt in the front seat and three friends in the back seat.  Gunshots were fired in their direction in the 12200 block of Maple Avenue, which struck Jamele, Millyon and the vehicle.  Although both boys suffered wounds to the upper torso, Jamele accelerated southbound on Maple Avenue, in an attempt to escape, and collided into a vehicle parked in the driveway of a house on East 124th Street, where his vehicle came to rest.  The three boys in the back ran for their lives but returned to speak with deputies, once the scene was secure.

Jamele and Millyon were both pronounced dead at the scene, while none of the three backseat passengers were injured.

The young victims were high school students and talented sportsmen; Jamele was a varsity football player being scouted by colleges, and Millyon was a varsity basketball player.  The Colquitt family suffered a big loss not long before the shooting, when Millyon’s mother was killed in a vehicle collision, leaving him to be raised by his grandmother.

There is no suspect information.  Detectives and family members of both victims pleaded with the public to come forth with any information to help solve the case.

If you have information about this incident, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.  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/.

To view press conference highlights, visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment/posts/4107999575893591

STATEMENT REGARDING MEASURE J 680 380 SIB Staff

STATEMENT REGARDING MEASURE J

STATEMENT REGARDING MEASURE J

November 4, 2020

Our Department has successfully persevered for over 170 years.  Throughout our rich history we have faced many challenges and emerged together stronger, because that is what we do. 

Measure J is our latest challenge and it will be implemented over the next three years, beginning on July 1, 2021.  We don’t yet fully understand the depth of real world consequences to the Department, but we do know it will mean additional reductions to our budget.  Over the next few weeks, our budget team will find out what the impact will actually be. 

I am committed to working together with the Board of Supervisors, CEO, and employee unions in order to find budgetary solutions to the many complex issues we now face. 

As an organization we will continue to remain focused on serving the community in our basic public safety mission of protecting life, protecting property, and maintaining order. 

We have faced far worse challenges and this too shall pass.  We will succeed in navigating this newest challenge together as a family, because that is what we do. 

Sheriff Alex Villanueva

PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES ON NOVEMBER 15, 2020 600 367 SIB Staff

PARKING ENFORCEMENT RESUMES ON NOVEMBER 15, 2020

UPDATE: For updated information on parking see the latest information. Click here to read the update 12/9/20.

The stay-at-home order issued in early 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the need
for additional parking and a new way to address parking enforcement across Los Angeles County. Understanding
the needs and challenges of those in the communities we serve, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Parking Enforcement Detail relaxed parking enforcement to help cope with parking availability and
administrative concerns.


In the face of new challenges to prepare for inclement winter weather, parking enforcement will resume issuing
citations for all parking violations within the public right of way. Beginning Sunday, November 15, 2020, the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Parking Enforcement Detail will again issue street sweeping and expired
registration citations, as well as, towing vehicles in the areas we serve across Los Angeles County. To avoid
receiving a parking citation or having a vehicle towed, we urge drivers to be mindful of this change.
Resumed enforcement will include:

  • Street sweeping: All streets with posted signs for street sweeping will be enforced, per 15.20.070(2) LACVC
  • Expired registration: Vehicles with expired registration will be cited for 4000(a)(1)CVC; registrations
    expired in excess of six months, in violation of 4000(a)(1) CVC, will be towed, per 22651 (o)(1)(A) CVC
  • Red tag warnings: Red tag warnings will be issued to vehicles parked on the street not displaying signs of
    movement, including excessive dirt, debris underneath and around the tires, flat tires, missing parts, and
    vandalism. If the vehicle has not been moved after 72 hours or three days, a citation for Abandonment
    Prohibited – 22523(a)(b) CVC will be issued and an additional 48 hours or two days will be given. If the
    vehicle still has not been moved, it will be towed, per 22651(k) CVC.
LASD and LAPD Partner to combat hunger 1024 683 SIB Staff

LASD and LAPD Partner to combat hunger

LASD and LAPD Partner to combat hunger

October 30, 2020, at about 11:30 am, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, accompanied by Department members,  LAPD Officers, and LAPD Deputy Chief Jorge Rodriguez held a food drive for community members.
Held at the Greg Smith LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center, community members arrived from across the Valley, lining their vehicles to receive donated care baskets and other non-perishable food items. As community members’ vehicles formed an extensive line across lanes of Parthenia Street just east of Wilbur Avenue, deputies and officers were joined by the Devonshire Police Activities League Supporters, Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee, Members of the LASD Community Advisory Council, and MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity).  

Hundreds of families expressed their thanks to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies and Los Angeles Police Officers as they placed boxes and bags of non-perishable foods into their vehicles. Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Jorge Rodriguez and Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva also took an active role in handing out food to families. The vehicle traffic went on for a few hours, as more and more community members formed lines and patiently awaited their turn.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department understands the hardship and challenges individuals and families face during these uncertain times. We believe it is our duty to protect our community from crime and lend a helping hand. Economic hardships and life hurdles have affected everyone during this covid-19 outbreak. We hope that this partnership between Los Angeles law enforcement, the city, and our non-profit organizations brings more help to the community in need. It is this dedication to our community that defines the character of our service.
LAPD Officers and LASD Deputies have profound care for the community, and our efforts to curve hunger are a reflection of that sentiment. We hope that this engagement resonates with the community and builds a solid bridge of trust and understanding.

The Sheriff’s Department is thankful to the Temple Ramat Zion, One Generation, the Greater Los Angeles Food Bank, and Goya Foods of California for their generous contributions. A Special Thanks to Jack Kayajian, who dedicated hundreds of volunteered hours and his ability to navigate through the most challenging times, made this event a success.

Proceeds from patch sales helps shelter and homeless veterans 404 304 SIB Staff

Proceeds from patch sales helps shelter and homeless veterans

Sheriff Villanueva Presents Second Check to Salvation Army – Bell Shelter Veterans

On Tuesday, October 27, 2020, Sheriff Alex Villanueva visited the Salvation Army Bell Shelter, located in the city of Bell. This particular location caters to veterans experiencing homelessness, and provides them with shelter and assistance. Some of the services provided include help with substance abuse, vocational education and job assistance.

During the visit, Sheriff Villanueva participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a recreational area dedicated to him for a previous generous donation. In November, 2019, Sheriff Villanueva visited the Bell Shelter for the first time, and presented shelter representatives with a donation of $17,500.  Proceeds for the donation were generated from sales of the LASD Veteran’s Patch, which has a camouflage background design.

With the 2019 donation, the Bell Shelter was able to enhance and upgrade their recreation room with spacious seating adhering to COVID-19 protocols, a tent for small outdoor group sessions, a projector, and large movie screen for easy viewing from a far distance.

Overwhelming sales of the LASD Veteran’s Patch allowed Sheriff Villanueva to present a second check for $17,500 to the Bell Shelter during his 2020 visit, in support of one of the longest-running homeless shelters in the entire nation.

If you are an adult experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, please call (800) 548-6047 or click on the link https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=2196-lahsa-shelter-list.pdf  
 
Interested in LASD patches? The LASD Veteran’s Patch is available for sale at http://lasdvetpatch.com.   Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of our homeless veterans!

#LASD Hits A Criminal Mega Jackpot 1024 347 SIB Staff

#LASD Hits A Criminal Mega Jackpot

Operation “Gambling Suppression” Nets over 30 arrests, tens of thousands of dollars in U.S. currency, firearms, and over 200 illegal gambling machines in the City of #Lancaster.

Yesterday, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lancaster Sheriff’s Station’s LAN-CAP Team (Lancaster Community Appreciation Project) completed a very successful operation. Several North Patrol Stations and investigators from the Major Crimes Bureau executed seven search warrants throughout the City of Lancaster.

The operation netted over thirty adult arrests and tens of thousands of dollars in U.S. currency were confiscated from the illegal establishments. Additionally, several illegal firearms were taken off the streets, and over 200 illegal gambling machines were seized from the location.

Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime; it is an organized crime that may increase the chance of more criminal traffic to a certain area or city to network with others and commit more crime.

If you believe there is an active illegal gambling house or establishment operating in your area, please call your local sheriff’s station.

Suspect Arrested in 1996 Homicide – Extradited from Texas 380 569 SIB Staff

Suspect Arrested in 1996 Homicide – Extradited from Texas

Suspect Arrested in 1996 Homicide of Boyle Heights Girl, Extradited from Texas

After almost a quarter-century, the man suspected of killing a 17-year-old girl was identified and slated to face arraignment. On Wednesday, October 21, 2020, Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Homicide Bureau detective, Lieutenant Hugo Reynaga, discussed the circumstances surrounding the young girl’s death, how they located the suspect and how he was brought back to face justice.

On Tuesday, January 30, 1996, the partially-clothed body of Gladys Arellano was discovered at the bottom of a ravine in the Topanga Canyon area of Malibu. The last time she was last seen was three days earlier at her Boyle Heights home, and she was reported missing by her family one day before her body was found.

The results of an autopsy concluded the teen was sexually assaulted, beaten, and strangled to death. Serology evidence was collected from her body, and a DNA profile was uploaded into state and federal DNA databases as that of an unknown offender. Although an extensive investigation was conducted, no match was identified through the DNA databases, and the case remained unsolved.

On Sunday, November 10, 2019, virtually two and a half decades later, a man named Jose Luis Garcia, was arrested by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)-Mission Division personnel for a domestic assault charge. A DNA sample was collected from him during the booking procedure and uploaded into the state DNA database.

In December, 2019, detectives assigned to the Homicide Bureau-Unsolved Case Unit received an alert on the DNA collected during the LAPD-Mission Division jail booking, which returned as a match to the evidence collected in the Gladys Arellano homicide investigation. Detectives Joe Purcell and Shaun McCarthy contacted Garcia at his home in Fontana and asked about his knowledge of the Arellano murder; Garcia was 19 years old when it happened. They obtained a DNA sample from Garcia for comparison and submitted it for forensic testing. Serologists analyzed it and determined Garcia’s sample matched the unidentified donor’s sample obtained in 1996 from the body of Gladys Arellano.

After the detectives’ visit, and as the new DNA sample was processed, detectives learned Garcia relocated to Dallas, Texas. An arrest warrant for Garcia, 43, was obtained, and Detective Purcell notified U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Forces personnel in Dallas.

On Tuesday, September 29, 2020, Garcia was arrested by task force personnel in Dallas. He was extradited to California on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, arraigned for the charge of Murder on Monday, October 19, 2020, at Van Nuys court, and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Samantha Moreno, Gladys’ niece and goddaughter, spoke during the press conference, and thanked the detectives for arresting Garcia and not giving up on (finding) their Gladys.  “We are pleased to know that Jose Luis Garcia has been taken off the streets after 24 ½ years,” she said.  “We want nothing more than for him to pay for his brutal crime.  We recognize that this will not bring Gladys back, but we are relieved to know that there will be justice for Gladys, who would have celebrated her 42nd birthday on Saturday, October 24th.”

Elizabeth Arellano, Gladys’ older sister, also spoke at the press conference.  She and Samantha held hands tightly and stood shoulder-to-shoulder as they waited their turn to speak.  In Spanish, she also thanked the detectives and recalled the heartbreaking loss of her sister, ”It was very painful for everyone to lose her and to wait 24 ½ years without knowing who robbed her of life.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau-Unsolved Case Unit is comprised of twelve retired homicide detectives who returned to work on a part-time basis. They use their collective experience of more than 500 years to continue solving stale cases. These detectives hold in high regard that each case represents a life taken and accept the responsibility of tenacious pursuit to determine the circumstances surrounding the loss, no matter how long it takes. They pore over each investigation and take all the pieces of workable information and unexhausted leads as far as they will go. Newly-discovered witnesses, advancements in science and technology, and anonymous tips contribute to these investigators’ successes.  Each unsolved case remains active and available to them until it is fully concluded. The Unsolved Case Unit was furloughed due to budget cuts in July, 2020, but was refunded and reinstated when the Board of Supervisors allocated funding for it. With renewed funding, detectives can continue their efforts and progress toward solving other cases.


 
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau detectives are seeking any victims of assault or sexual assault that may have been in contact with Jose Luis Garcia.
 
Anyone with information, please contact Det. J. Purcell or Det. S. McCarthy, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Sheriff Announces arrest in Compton Ambush 1024 683 SIB Staff

Sheriff Announces arrest in Compton Ambush

Sheriff Villanueva Announces Arrest of Suspect in Compton Deputy Ambush

Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference today, Wednesday, September 30, 2020, to announce the arrest of the suspect who deliberately attempted to kill two deputies in an ambush-style shooting, while they sat in their patrol car. 

Sheriff Villanueva noted the cowardly act was followed with bystanders celebrating and cheering the despicable act.  He relayed how he saw the worst in humanity when a crowd made its way to the hospital and chanted for the deputies to die while they fought for their lives.  In juxtaposition, he saw the best of humanity when the entire Sheriff’s Department worked together to bring justice to the deputies.  The outpouring of support from the community, the nation, both presidential candidates, people from all walks of life, including children, was a source of support, not only for the injured deputies, but for all law enforcement personnel.

Homicide Bureau unit commander, Captain Kent Wegener, gave a summary of the ambush and events which led to the arrest of the suspect.  The shooting occurred Saturday evening, September 12, 2020, north of the Metro Blue Line Station, located at 101 East Palmer Street, in Compton, as two deputies sat in a marked patrol car. The suspect surreptitiously approached the passenger side of the patrol car and fired multiple rounds through the open window.  Both deputies suffered gunshot wounds to their heads and extremities. The suspect fled the scene in a black sedan, and a monetary reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

Through review of video and witness statements, investigators determined the armed suspect drove from the scene of the attack in a black Mercedes Benz.  In the following hours, investigators learned that on September 1, 2020 -eleven days prior to the attempted murder of the deputies- a carjacking occurred on Bradfield Avenue, in Compton.  The suspect shot the carjacking victim in the leg with a high-powered rifle and stole a black Mercedes Benz. The suspect was a male Black adult.  The carjacking case was investigated and an arrest warrant was obtained for Deonte Lee Murray, 36, of Compton.

On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 11:30 A.M., units from the Major Crimes Bureau – Surveillance Apprehension Team located the suspect and attempted to stop him in a vehicle.  The suspect fled in a 2006 Toyota Solara and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.  During the pursuit, the suspect threw a pistol from his car, which was recovered and held as evidence.  The pursuit lasted until the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot near the 3100 block of Carlin Avenue in Lynwood. 

Around 9:50 P.M., the suspect was located, hiding in the bushes; he was detained and arrested for the carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon warrant.  The stolen Mercedes Benz was recovered a short distance from the containment and impounded as evidence.

In the days following, a forensic firearms report was published by the crime laboratory, which compared ballistic evidence from the scene of the ambush to the pistol discarded by the suspect during the pursuit.  It was determined through ballistic comparison that the pistol recovered was the same gun used to shoot the deputies.  The gun in evidence was a .40 caliber, 80% non-serialized pistol, loaded with eight rounds, five rounds short of its 12-round capacity. The number of missing rounds coincides with the five rounds fired at deputies during the ambush attack.  Murray has a criminal history to include multiple felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

Dozens of video clips were collected, and witnesses are still being identified and interviewed.  As a part of the interviews, photographic lineups may be conducted, involving the suspect’s image.  In consideration of the ongoing investigation, and to avoid any compromise of the case, photographs of the suspect are not yet being released to the public.  Investigators believe Murray acted alone in the attempted murder of the deputies and are not looking for any other suspects at this time.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced that, earlier this morning, her office charged Murray with two felony counts of Willful, Deliberate and Premeditated Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer.  Murray also faces charges of Attempted Murder, Carjacking, Robbery, and Assault in relation to the carjacking.  If convicted as charged, he faces life in state prison.  His bail was set at $6,155,000.   

Press Conference: Sheriff Villanueva to Provide Update on Compton Ambush Shooting Investigation

Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, to announce the arrest of the suspect who deliberately attempted to kill two deputies in an ambush-style shooting, while they sat in their patrol car. Sheriff Villanueva noted the cowardly act was followed with bystanders celebrating and cheering the despicable act. He relayed how he saw the worst in humanity when a crowd made its way to the hospital and chanted for the deputies to die while they fought for their lives. In juxtaposition, he saw the best of humanity when the entire Sheriff’s Department worked together to bring justice to the deputies. The outpouring of support from the community, the nation, both presidential candidates, people from all walks of life, including children, was a source of support, not only for the injured deputies, but for all law enforcement personnel.Homicide Bureau unit commander, Captain Kent Wegener, gave a summary of the ambush and events which led to the arrest of the suspect. The shooting occurred Saturday evening, September 12, 2020, north of the Metro Blue Line Station, located at 101 East Palmer Street, in Compton, as two deputies sat in a marked patrol car. The suspect surreptitiously approached the passenger side of the patrol car and fired multiple rounds through the open window. Both deputies suffered gunshot wounds to their heads and extremities. The suspect fled the scene in a black sedan, and a monetary reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.Through review of video and witness statements, investigators determined the armed suspect drove from the scene of the attack in a black Mercedes Benz. In the following hours, investigators learned that on September 1, 2020 -eleven days prior to the attempted murder of the deputies- a carjacking occurred on Bradfield Avenue, in Compton. The suspect shot the carjacking victim in the leg with a high-powered rifle and stole a black Mercedes Benz. The suspect was a male Black adult. The carjacking case was investigated and an arrest warrant was obtained for Deonte Lee Murray, 36, of Compton.On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 11:30 A.M., units from the Major Crimes Bureau – Surveillance Apprehension Team located the suspect and attempted to stop him in a vehicle. The suspect fled in a 2006 Toyota Solara and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, the suspect threw a pistol from his car, which was recovered and held as evidence. The pursuit lasted until the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot near the 3100 block of Carlin Avenue in Lynwood. Around 9:50 P.M., the suspect was located, hiding in the bushes; he was detained and arrested for the carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon warrant. The stolen Mercedes Benz was recovered a short distance from the containment and impounded as evidence.In the days following, a forensic firearms report was published by the crime laboratory, which compared ballistic evidence from the scene of the ambush to the pistol discarded by the suspect during the pursuit. It was determined through ballistic comparison that the pistol recovered was the same gun used to shoot the deputies. The gun in evidence was a .40 caliber, 80% non-serialized pistol, loaded with eight rounds, five rounds short of its 12-round capacity. The number of missing rounds coincides with the five rounds fired at deputies during the ambush attack. Murray has a criminal history to include multiple felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Dozens of video clips were collected, and witnesses are still being identified and interviewed. As a part of the interviews, photographic lineups may be conducted, involving the suspect’s image. In consideration of the ongoing investigation, and to avoid any compromise of the case, photographs of the suspect are not yet being released to the public. Investigators believe Murray acted alone in the attempted murder of the deputies and are not looking for any other suspects at this time.Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced that, earlier this morning, her office charged Murray with two felony counts of Willful, Deliberate and Premeditated Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer. Murray also faces charges of Attempted Murder, Carjacking, Robbery, and Assault in relation to the carjacking. If convicted as charged, he faces life in state prison. His bail was set at $6,155,000.

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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.

Pico Rivera Cancer Survivor Gets Backpack and Special Celebrity Visit 800 600 SIB Staff

Pico Rivera Cancer Survivor Gets Backpack and Special Celebrity Visit

Pico Rivera Cancer Survivor Gets Backpack and Special Celebrity Visit

Matthew “Matu” Ignacio is just 11 years old and eager to get back into the swing of things, now that he’s surviving cancer.  At age six, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and had two tumors removed.  Now, with medication and monitoring, Matu can get back to the good stuff of childhood.

Part of growing up is going to school.  Assistant Sheriff Gross and deputy personnel from the Vital Intervention Directional Alternatives youth program, known as VIDA, came to Matu’s house and presented him and his two older brothers with backpacks and school supplies.

Matu has a connection with the VIDA deputies; they mentored him and have been in his life over the past few years, through all the ups and downs.  Matu also regularly speaks to at-risk kids participating in the program and offers words of perspective about uncertain tomorrows.  Life is precious and not guaranteed, which is why we must cherish each minute.  Even in Matu’s short time on earth, he has a great understanding of this concept, considering the circumstances he faced.

In an exciting moment at the event, Matu was appointed as an honorary Sheriff’s Explorer and presented with their uniform shoulder patches.  His face beamed with happiness and pride as he accepted the gift.

Actor Cody Walker also attended this special occasion and offered his support and encouragement as Matu continues his journey to improved health.