LAPD Killing Spree Crackdown: 2 Arrested For Killing 4 Juveniles
Los Angeles, CA: Authorities in Los Angeles have apprehended two individuals believed to be gang members in relation to a series of random murders that took place over the weekend in southeast Los Angeles County.
Two individuals, Gary Jonathan Garcia Jr., 42, and Timberland Wayne McKneely, 20, have been apprehended by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for their alleged involvement in a series of four shootings, as announced on Tuesday.
“The past 48 hours have been filled with challenges and fear for our southeast LA community,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Officials discovered the initial casualty following a report of gunshots at approximately 10:30 p.m. According to Capt. Andrew Meyer of the LASD Homicide Division, the incident took place on Sunday in the city of Bell, which is located approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. An adult male victim was declared deceased at the scene.
In the early hours of Monday, law enforcement officers were called to a shopping center parking lot in unincorporated Los Angeles. They discovered another adult male who had been shot and unfortunately, he was pronounced dead.
In a swift response, authorities received another call merely 12 minutes later from the city of Cudahy. This call led them to the discovery of two boys who were found in close proximity to a K through 8 school, as shared by LASD East Station Capt. Brandon Dean. Tragedy struck as one young life was lost at the scene, while the other was rushed to a hospital for necessary treatment. Thankfully, the survivor is now in stable condition.
In the early hours of Monday, a Huntington Park police officer stopped to check on a man lying in the street, according to Meyer. The man was hit by multiple bullets and was later declared dead by the fire department.
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Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano stated that the victim, who was identified as someone experiencing homelessness, was chosen as a target in a random manner.
Garcia was apprehended after San Bernardino authorities noticed the vehicle based on its license plate and conducted a routine traffic stop. Authorities apprehended the second suspect at a later time, coinciding with the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Compton, as stated by Meyer.
Garcia has a significant criminal record, while McKneely has a clean record, as stated by Meyer. According to Meyer, both individuals are believed to be associated with gangs.
According to Meyer, the killings seemed to be “random,” but homicide investigators are considering the possibility of other incidents connected to the same suspects. Additionally, authorities are actively searching for a third suspect believed to be involved in the killings.
Garcia and McKneely are being charged with serious offenses including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. Both individuals are currently in custody with a bail set at $2 million. They are scheduled to appear in court later this week, as confirmed by the LASD. It remains uncertain whether Garcia or McKneely have legal representation available to provide comments on their behalf.
Bell Police Chief Carlos Islas urged the district attorney’s office to fulfill their duty and prosecute the individuals involved to the fullest extent of the law. He mentioned that any potential additional charges would be determined as the investigation progresses.