LAPD Blog

LAPD/FBI Fugitive Task Force Brings Suspect Back to Los Angeles to Stand Trial for the 2008 Murder of a Sun Valley Teen

Los Angeles: On August 2, 2008, North Hollywood Division Patrol officers received a radio call of an “Assault with a Deadly Weapon” in the 8200 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard.  When the officers arrived, they met with 16-year-old Edward Satterstron who needed medical attention after being assaulted by a man described as a male Hispanic wearing a black shirt, grey pants, and had slicked back hair. 

Witnesses at the time of the incident said that the victim had been walking with an acquaintance in the area of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Roscoe Boulevard when he was confronted by the suspect.  After a brief conversation, the suspect produced a handgun and fired several rounds at the victim striking him in the upper torso.  The suspect ran away from the scene and the victim ran to a nearby restaurant and collapsed from his injuries.  Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he died as a result of the gunshot wounds. 

The victim, Edward Satterstron was a 16-year-old resident from Sun Valley.  Before he died, he was a student at John Francis Polytechnic High School where he played on the football team.

On March 30, 2010, members from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fugitive Task Force brought murder suspect David Aranda Hernandez to Los Angeles to stand trial for the 2008 murder of Satterstrom.  Suspect Aranda Hernandez fled to Mexico shortly after the 2008 shooting and had been living in Mexico since the murder. 

North Hollywood Division Homicide detectives took custody of the suspect and anticipate that on Friday, April 2, 2010, suspect Aranda Hernandez will appear in the Los Angeles County Superior Court to face murder charges.  

For additional information regarding this investigation please contact North Hollywood Homicide Detectives Tim Kirkpatrick or Tom Townsend at 818-623-4075.

Man Sought in Burglary of an Apartment

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Area detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who burglarized an apartment unit.

On March 2, 2010, between 8:20 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., a suspect gained entry into an apartment complex located in the 1555 block of Vine Street.  Once inside the complex, the suspect entered an apartment unit through the front door.  The suspect stole selected items, such as a laptop computer and a safe box.  The suspect took a total of $31,000 worth of items.  There was no weapon displayed and no one was injured.

The suspect is described as a male Black between 25 and 30 years old with black hair.  He stands about 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 190-210 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a dark- colored baseball cap, a red/white/gray shirt and dark pants.  His vehicle is described as a silver Toyota.

Anyone with information regarding this burglary or other crimes is encouraged to contact Hollywood Burglary Detective Dixon at 213-972-2928.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Murder Suspects Wanted for Shooting Two Men

Los Angeles:  Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives are investigating the gang-related shooting of  two men from Los Angeles.

On Monday, March 29, 2010, at around 8:40 p.m., officers from Hollenbeck Division responded to reports of a shooting in the 2600 block of Sichel Street.  When they arrived, they found
20-year-old Jose L. Castillo who was fatally wounded.  Paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire Department also responded and pronounced Castillo dead at the scene.

A 40-year-old man who was walking by at the time of the shooting was also shot and suffered a gunshot wound to his upper torso.  Paramedics transported the second victim to a local hospital for medical treatment.  He is listed in critical but stable condition.   

Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives’ preliminary investigation suggests that victim Castillo was spray painting gang graffiti in rival gang turf when he had an encounter with rival gang members.    

Anyone who may have information regarding this shooting is asked to call Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Marin or Ramirez at 323-342-8969. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Missing 74-Year-Old Man

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police and a local family are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing elderly man who was last seen on March 15, 2010.

The family of 74-year-old Marcelino Martinez says he was last seen near his home around 11 a.m in the 900 block of West 50th Street in Los Angeles.  Martinez often gets confused and forget things.

Martinez is described as a Hispanic man with gray hair and brown eyes.  He stands about 5 feet tall, weighs about 150 pounds and was last seen wearing a light blue jacket, dark blue pants and green/grey sneakers.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Martinez is urged to call Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Person Unit at 213-996-1800.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1 -877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637.

Notes from the March 30, 2010 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•    Police Commission President John Mack requested a moment of silence in honor of Officer Cottle. Officer Cottle was a truly talented individual, as a reflection of his skills he was last assigned to Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit. “He will be remembered as a true hero of the Los Angeles Police Department,” Commissioner Mack commented.

•    Police Chief Charlie Beck commented on the tragic death of SWAT Officer Robert “RJ” Cottle while serving with the United States Marines in Afghanistan.  Chief Beck said he considered “RJ” a close friend and he had the pleasure of working with him. “He was a great protector of those less able to protect themselves”, Chief Beck stated. Funeral services for Officer Cottle will be held next week.

•    Police Commissioner Alan Skobin received a complete demonstration of the in-car-video-system. He was pleased with the demonstration and stated the system looks ready to be fully implemented.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 12, 2010, relative to Criminal Gang Homicide Division Command Accountability Performance Audit (IAID No. 09-121), was approved.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 17, 2010, relative to Department’s response to the supply procurement and disbursement audit, (IAID No. 08-097), was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 18, 2010, relative to the Complaint, Form 1.28, Investigation Audit- Phase I (IAID No. 09-003), was received and directed the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of the report along with any appropriate recommendations to the Board.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 18, 2010, relative to the amendment to the annual Audit and Inspection Plan Fiscal Year (FY) 2009/2010 was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 18, 2010, relative to City Council Motion (CF No. 09-0600-S156), relative to contract rates, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

•    The Inspector General’s Report, dated March 15, 2010, relative to amendment to the Office of the Inspector General’s Transition Agreement Implementation Plan, was approved.

•    The Inspector General’s Report, dated March 18, 2010, relative to the Office of the Inspector General’s Financial Disclosure Audit- Fiscal Year 2009/2010, was approved.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics March 27, 2010

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                                60*                 69           -13.0%
Rape                                     155                 186          -16.7%
Robbery                               2619               3026          -13.5%
Agg Assaults **                     2119               2529          -16.2%
Total Violent Crimes             4953              5810          -14.8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 3855             4379           -12.0%
BTFV                                      6767             7033            -3.8%
Personal/Other Theft             5768             6633           -13.0%
Auto Theft                             4127             4258            -3.1%
Total Property Crimes       20,517         22,303           -8.0%
Total Part I Crimes            25,470         28,113          -9.4%

* 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

18-Year-old Girl Shot and Killed While Talking with a Group of Friends

Los Angeles:  Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives look to identify the suspects wanted for killing a teenage girl and shooting her friend.

On Saturday, March 27, 2010, Ms. Kendall Williams and a group of friends including a 22-year-old man, were talking on the sidewalk in the 900 block of West 68th Street.  At about 10:08 p.m., a black 1998 Nissan Maxima with 4-doors and tinted windows stopped at the location where the group was gathered.  The car’s front passenger fired multiple times striking Victim Williams and her 22-year-old friend.

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department saw the shooting and immediately followed the Nissan Maxima.  The suspects drove west on 66th Street to Kansas Street where they got out of the car and ran.  Officers took the suspect’s car and the weapons used in the shooting into custody but are still looking to identify and locate the suspects.  

Los Angeles City Fire personnel responded to the scene and transported both victims to a local hospital.  Victim Williams was pronounced dead by doctors just after midnight on Sunday March 28, 2010, and the second victim was treated for a gunshot wound to his leg.  He remains in the hospital and is listed in stable condition.  

Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to call Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives C. Geiger and D. Dilkes at 213-485-1383.   During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800)-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompt.

Suspect Shoots Victim While Seated in His Car

Los Angeles:  Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives investigate the shooting death of a 21-year-old man who was seated in the passenger seat of his car.

On Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 6:15 p.m., Kevin Bautista was sitting in the passenger seat of his car in the 1600 block of West 84th Street when a man and woman drove up in a gray sedan and stopped at the southeast corner of 84th Street and Harvard Boulevard.  One of the suspects described as a male Black, 17-20 years old got out of the sedan and walked towards the victim’s car.  The second suspect, a female Black stayed inside the suspect’s car.  The male suspect confronted Victim Bautista, shot him then ran back to the gray sedan.  Both suspects drove north on Harvard Boulevard away from the shooting.

Los Angeles City Fire personnel responded to the scene and transported Bautista to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m.   

The motive is gang related and the suspects, weapon and gray sedan are still outstanding.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting that lead to the death of Kevin Bautista, is asked to call Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives E. Mendoza and C. Braudrick at 213-485-1383. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800)-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompt.

Murder Suspects Sought in South L. A.

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) 77th Homicide Squad Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects who were involved in a shooting in South Los Angeles.

Today at around 5:05 p.m., 30-year-old Emanuel Dorsey was walking in the 1400 block of West 83rd St when several suspects confronted him.  With no apparent motive the suspects shot Dorsey several times, ran to a getaway car, and drove eastbound on 84th Street from Halldale Avenue.  The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene where the victim was pronounced.  

There is no description of the suspects at this time.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Division, 77th Homicide Squad Detectives Refugio Garza and Douglass Pierce at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call     Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Pedestrian Killed by Hit and Run Driver

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect responsible for a hit-and-run traffic incident that killed a 59-year-old male pedestrian.

Just after 3 a.m. this morning, a pedestrian was crossing mid-block Alameda Street, south of 8th Street when he was struck by a vehicle heading northbound on Alameda Street.  The driver continued driving north on Alameda Street, failing to stop and identify herself or provide aid to the injured victims.  The victim died as a result of his injuries from the collision and was pronounced dead at scene.  The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of his family members.    

The hit-and-run vehicle is described as a dark colored, possible Nissan sedan. It may also have collision damage to the front of the vehicle.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Central Traffic Division Detective Jose De Leon at 213-972-1845.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.