LAPD Blog

Wife Killed After Argument with Her Husband

Los Angeles: A 36-year-old Los Angeles woman was gunned down during an argument with her husband and one of her children was injured.

On Friday, August 28, 2009, at around 11:50 p.m., Xiomara Lopez was involved in an argument with her husband 36-year-old Carlos Lopez in the 2900 block of Kenwood Avenue.  During the argument, Carlos Lopez armed himself with a handgun and fired multiple rounds at Xiomara who was wounded.  The victim’s three children were present during this shooting and the 11-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound.

After the shooting, the suspect drove away in a white, Toyota, Corolla. A short time later both the car and the handgun were recovered by detectives.

Los Angeles City Fire personnel responded to the scene and Xiomara was pronounced dead at scene. The boy was transported to a local hospital and listed in stable condition. The other two children were not injured during the shooting.

Carlos Anibal Lopez is described as a male Hispanic, 36-year-old (DOB 07-16-73), 5 feet 4 inches tall and 124 pounds.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Group, Southwest Homicide Squad, Detective Dave Garrido at 213-485-1383.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Art Theft Suspect Wanted

Updated
ART THEFT SUSPECT WANTED
(Suspect Arrested and Art Recovered)

 On Thursday, September 3, wanted suspect Matthew Taylor, who also uses the name Matthew Taylor Nelson surrendered himself to authorities.  Media attention and dogged pursuit of the Taylor by Indian River County Sheriffs and other Florida law enforcement personnel led to Taylor’s decision to finally surrender after repeatedly failing to do so on prior occasions as arranged by his attorney Harland Braun.

The media coverage also led to the recovery of two additional stolen artworks in L.A. and the sighting of a third in Florida.  The three paintings disappeared from the same art gallery between 2004 and 2006 at times coinciding with visits by Taylor.  On 9/1/09, two of the stolen artworks valued at $40,000 were turned over to police. 

A third stolen painting was spotted in the possession of Taylor last year in Vero Beach.  The current location of the painting is unknown.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Art Theft Detail is searching for art dealer Matthew Taylor, 41, who lives in Vero Beach, Florida.  An arrest warrant has been issued for Taylor for grand theft and receiving stolen property in connection with the theft of a Granville Redmond painting.  Bail has been set at $500,000.

Taylor has worked as an art dealer who would visit various art galleries, obtaining art on consignment.  In October of 2006, Taylor visited the L.A. Fine Art Gallery in Los Angeles where he was known to the owner and staff.  Detectives believe that Taylor took advantage of this trust to remove available painting out of a storage room that is not accessible to the public.  He then borrowed a car and went to an art show in Santa Monica where he offered the painting for sale to William Karges who owns art galleries in Beverly Hills and Carmel.  Taylor offered the painting for sale out of the trunk of his car in the parking lot, stating he was selling it for his mother.

Karges bought the painting for $85,000 and sold it to a client for over $236,000.  The painting was not discovered missing and reported to the police until after Karges sold it to a client.  Detectives posted a crime alert on the LAPD website.  Karges gallery personnel stumbled upon the alert in 2007 and contacted police.

In 2009, detectives finished their investigation and obtained an arrest warrant for Taylor.  However, before Florida police could respond to Taylor’s residence to take him into custody, detectives learned that Karges’ attorney had inexplicably tipped off Taylor of the criminal charges filed against him.  As a result, police have thus far been unable to locate Taylor.  Taylor’s attorney, Harlan Braun, has tried to arrange for Taylor’s surrender on several occasions but Taylor has repeatedly failed to appear.

During the investigation, L.A. Fine Art Gallery recalled several other thefts of art that coincided with visits to the gallery by Taylor.  In 2004, paintings by Johann Mertz and William Malherbe, valued at $40,000, were stolen from the front showroom.  A $20,000 Lucien Frank painting similarly disappeared from the showroom in 2006.  Taylor had visited the gallery during both time periods.

Detectives would like to speak to anyone who may have been victimized by Matthew Taylor, who has also used the name Matthew Taylor Nelson.  Detectives are also searching for Taylor’s mother, Patricia Taylor, 76 years old, to determine if she is being exploited by her son.  Patricia is believed to be in poor mental and physical condition. 

Photos of Taylor and the above art can be viewed at the following internet links:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/9434607_rbBGf#632569651_cFp6a
http://www.lapdonline.org/paintings_and_prints_r_/content_basic_view/34844
http://www.lapdonline.org/paintings_and_prints_m_/content_basic_view/31950
http://www.lapdonline.org/paintings_and_prints_m_/content_basic_view/31948
http://www.lapdonline.org/paintings_and_prints_f_/content_basic_view/33235

Anyone with information about Matthew or Patricia Taylor’s current whereabouts can contact LAPD’s Art Theft Detail at 213-485-2524 or during off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Michael Jackson Death Investigation Update

Los Angeles: Today, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office released their findings on the cause and manner of the death of Michael Jackson.  This announcement affords the Los Angeles Police Department the opportunity to provide an update on the ongoing investigation.

On August 20, 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) met with representatives from the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (BNE) to discuss information discovered during the investigation into the death of Michael Jackson.  Based on that meeting and at the request of the LAPD, the DEA and BNE have initiated their own independent investigations into matters that the LAPD’s investigation uncovered that may not be directly related to the cause of death.

The LAPD is the primary investigative agency responsible for the investigation into the death of Michael Jackson.  The Department will continue to use the assistance of the DEA and BNE as necessary, and these agencies will continue to cooperate with each other as their various investigations progress. 

The investigation into the death of Michael Jackson is ongoing and will result in the case being presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for filing consideration.  Until that time, LAPD detectives will continue to meet and confer with District Attorney representatives.

The LAPD would like to acknowledge and thank the following law enforcement agencies for their assistance in this investigation: the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration; the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement; the Houston Police Department and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

The LAPD will not comment on any further aspects of this investigation.

Police Commission Announces Meetings Throughout The City To Obtain Public Input For Next Chief Of Police

Los Angeles – In order to hear and understand what the people of Los Angeles would like to see in their next Chief of Police, the Los Angeles Police Commission will be holding community meetings throughout the City. The meetings are as follows:

September 2, 2009   
Friendship Auditorium 6:30 pm   
3201 Riverside Drive
Los Angeles, California 90027

September 3, 2009   
Department of Water and Power 6:00 pm   
Community Auditorium
4030 Crenshaw Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90008

September 9, 2009   
Felicia Mahood Senior Center 6:30 pm   
11338 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90025

September 10, 2009   
One Generation 6:30 pm   
18255 Victory Boulevard                                       
Reseda, California 91335

“Public input is critical in this process,” stated Police Commission President John Mack.  “The next Chief of Police will serve all of the diverse communities of Los Angeles, and it is extremely important that we hear from those communities and know what is important to them.”

Suspects Sought in Hollywood Hills Burglary

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police are asking for the public’s help in identifying three burglars who broke into a Hollywood Hills home on August 23, 2009.

A surveillance camera at a home in the 2200 block of El Contento Drive captured three suspects, whose faces were covered with scarves, walking through a gate and entering a courtyard at around 1:10 a.m.  Detectives believe that the trio gained entry inside the home through an unlocked door, then ransacked it and took the victim’s property.  The suspects were last seen on foot from El Contento Drive.

The first suspect is described as a white male, 18 to 25 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches tall with a thin build and light-brown hair.  He was last seen wearing a light-color baseball hat, a brown short- sleeve shirt and blue jeans.

The second suspect is described as white female, 18 to 25 years of age, between 5 feet 1 inches and 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds.  Her hair was pulled back in a pony tail and she was last seen wearing a scarf, a white shirt and black pants.

The third suspect is described as a white female, 18 to 25 years of age, between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 120 pounds with shoulder-length blond hair.  She was last seen wearing a blue hooded jacket and black pants.

*Surveillance still photos of the suspects are available through Media Relations Section and video footage could be obtained on www.lapdtv.org.

Anyone with information about this burglary is asked to call Hollywood Burglary Detectives at 213-972-2930.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Suspect Points Gun at LAPD Officer During Search Warrant Service

Los Angeles:  A suspect who pointed a handgun at an LAPD officer during the service of a search warrant, resulted in an officer involved shooting.

On Saturday, August 22, 2009, at around 6:50 p.m., LAPD Southwest Area, Gang Enforcement Officers, working the Violent Crime Task Force, were serving a search warrant in the 4000 block of Nicolet Avenue.  Police Officer Mynerva Gramillo, seven years with the Department was covering the rear courtyard of the location in case  suspects tried to escape out the rear of the location.  As officers began to make entry, a male suspect began to climb out the bathroom window.  He then extended his arm through the bathroom window screen and pointed a gun at officer Gramillo at which time an officer involved shooting occurred.

The suspect immediately went back inside of the bathroom.  A short time later, he and other two adult suspects were arrested by the entry-team officers without further incident.

A loaded handgun was recovered inside the residence. No officers were injured during the incident and the suspect was not hit by gunfire.

The LAPD Force Investigation Division responded to the location and investigating the officer involved shooting. Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

A Pro-Active Response to a Spike in Gang Crime

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), in cooperation with Local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies, have joined forces to address a spike in violent gang crime in LAPD’s South Bureau and Newton Area.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2009, at 10 a.m., at the Jesse A. Brewer, 77th Street Regional Police Headquarters Chief William J. Bratton and members of his Command Staff, along with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and a host of Dignitaries from other Local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies, held a news conference to discuss gang crime, and the multi-agency initiative to address an emerging trend.  

Crime rates in the City have been on the decline for eight continuous years.  Even in Operations-South Bureau and Operations-Central Bureau where a spike in violent crime has been detected, crime is once again below last year’s levels.  Under COMPSTAT, the fact that crime is down overall does not preclude the gathering of intelligence.  When a spike is detected, we respond with effective tactics, rapid deployment, and relentless follow-up and assessment.  In this case, because the trend is not tied to any specific gang feud or retaliation, the response is a more traditional presence in the area of the trend to prevent it from gaining momentum.  Every agency will focus their expertise in an effort to protect the community.   

Year-to-date, Criminal Gang Homicide Group (CGHG), which is responsible for investigating gang related homicides in 77th Street Area, Southwest Area, and Southeast Area, has investigated 74 homicides in 2009, compared to 82 in 2008.  According to Deputy Chief Diaz, Commanding Officer, Operations-Central Bureau, year-to-date, Newton Area has investigated 24 homicides in 2009, compared to 30 in 2008.  Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese, Commanding Officer, Operations-South Bureau said, “We are sending a clear message and our record proves that if you commit a homicide in Operations-South Bureau or anywhere in the City, the overwhelming odds are that you will be caught, you will go to prison; but more than that, every spike in crime is a clue for preventative measures.”              

During the month of August 2009, CGHG investigated 18 homicides.  With one more week left in August, there have been 6 more gang related homicides than during the entire previous month.  Because crime is down overall, this “trend” could have been dismissed as a “blip” on the radar screen, but the leadership in Operations-South Bureau and Operations-Central Bureau saw it as an opportunity for prevention.   “This is evidence of a philosophy that has permeated all levels of the Department” Chief Bratton said, adding that we are moving toward a “predictive” model of policing.     

Chief Bratton noted, “Obstacles that would have previously prevented a multi-agency approach to combating crime have been overcome in advance of a spike in crime.  The result is that now a simple phone call is all that is needed to pull together a task force literally overnight.”  Blurred jurisdictional lines formerly used by criminals to disadvantage the community, have now been blurred by law enforcement to the distinct disadvantage of the gangs and other criminals.

Elderly Wheelchair Bound Man Arrested after Shooting

Los Angeles:  An armed, 84-year-old man, who shot a fellow resident, was taken into custody after being wounded in an officer involved shooting.

On Friday, August 21, 2009 at around 11:40 a.m., LAPD Southeast Area, Police Officer Heriberto Crisantos-Garcia, one year and one month with the Department, and his partner, responded to a radio call of a shooting that had just occurred in the 10800 block of Avalon Boulevard.  Once at scene the officers entered the location and saw a victim down suffering from a gunshot wound.  They also heard additional gunfire.

Believing there was an active shooter inside the location, officer Crisantos-Garcia and other responding officers searched the location in an attempt to locate the active shooter.  While searching the location, officer Crisantos-Garcia encountered Robert Brown who was armed with a gun and an officer involved shooting occurred.

Brown was struck by the officer’s gunfire and was taken into custody without any further incident. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the location and transported Brown to a local hospital for treatment.   

The victim of the first shooting was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for a gunshot wound and listed in stable condition.  No officers were injured during the incident

Brown’s loaded handgun was recovered.  He was subsequently booked for Attempt Murder and is being held on $500,000 bail.

Southeast Area Detectives are handling the attempt murder of the victim.  Force Investigation Division is handling the officer involved shooting.   Questions may be directed to Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics August 22, 2009

VIOLENT CRIMES                2009**           2008**          % Chg

Homicide                             206*              240           -14.2%
Rape                                    507               535             -5.2%
Robbery                              7905             8340             -5.2%
Agg Assaults **                    7106            7881             -9.8%
Total Violent Crimes        15,724          16,996            -7.5%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                              11451            12196           -6.1%
BTFV                                  18209            19095           -4.6%
Personal/Other Theft          17297            17863           -3.2%
Auto Theft                          11804            14210         -16.9%
Total Property Crimes     58,761          63,364          -7.3%
Total Part I Crimes          74,485          80,360          -7.3%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

Man Killed After Giving a Friend a Ride

Los Angeles: A 58-year-old Los Angeles man was gunned down after driving his friend to pick up her car that she had previously dropped off for service.

On Saturday, August 22, 2009, at around 8:25 p.m., Larick Matheson drove a friend to the 2900 block of Rimpau Boulevard to retrieve her car that had been serviced there.  Matheson parked in the driveway and began walking up to the front door of the location to get his friend’s car keys.

The suspect, a male Black of Jamaican descent, 30-40 years of age, had been standing at the entrance of the driveway and began walking toward the victim.  Once the suspect reached Matheson he began shooting at him, striking him multiple times.  

After the shooting the suspect ran away, Southbound on Rimpau Boulevard.

Los Angeles City Fire personnel responded to the scene and transported Matheson to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead within minutes of his arrival.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Group, Southwest Homicide Squad, Detectives Sean Hansen or Ron Kingi at 213-485-1383.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.