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8 Suspected Gang Members Arrested by Pasadena Detectives for Attempted and Multiple Murders
News Jun 13, 2017
– Photo by Terry Miller/Beacon Media News
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Feud between Pasadena- Duarte Rival Gangs
Photos and Story by Terry Miller
Suspect Photos – Courtesy of Pasadena PD
Recently, Chief Sanchez announced the impressive arrests of eight suspected gang members from the Duarte area who allegedly were involved in multiple shootings late last year and early 2017.
Between December 2016 and January 2017, Pasadena was plagued by a series of apparent gang shootings, resulting in three homicides and two attempted homicides. In each case, the suspects were not immediately identified at the time of the shootings. Pasadena Police patrol officers quickly responded, contained the area, collected evidence and interviewed witnesses, not all of whom were cooperative.
Pasadena Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez said that as a result of a six-month-long investigation by the Pasadena Police Homicide detectives, eight suspected gang members have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.
“This case underscores the dedication, talents and investigative experience of our Homicide Unit, which was supported by forensic specialists, patrol officers and other law enforcement partners, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,” Pasadena Police Chief Sanchez said. “I cannot emphasize enough just how difficult this particular case was and how proud I am of the work this team accomplished in apprehending the suspects responsible for the shootings.”
During the investigation, Pasadena Police Homicide Unit, Sergeant Keith Gomez and Detectives Edgar Sanchez, Dustin Gomez, Anthony Russo, Jose Urita, Jordan Ling and Jonathan Buchholz learned there was an active feud between Pasadena and Duarte street gangs, which likely was the basis for the shootings. The preliminary evidence suggested a Duarte street gang may have been responsible for the murders and attempted murders in our community. Detectives quickly formulated a plan, which included collaborating with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department and other law enforcement partners. With limited information, and at times reluctant witnesses, Pasadena detectives focused their efforts on the Duarte street gang members using strategic investigative techniques and a lot of long hours.
The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office on Monday, June 5, 2017. Multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder, shooting into an inhabited dwelling, accessory after the fact, and gang allegations have now been filed against the suspects by the District Attorney’s office based on the evidence developed by the Pasadena Police detectives.
The on-going investigation suggests these suspects could also be responsible for many violent crimes, both reported and unreported. Detectives hope the photos being released today may help other witnesses or victims come forward with additional information about the suspects’ activities.
The press conference will be aired on Pasadena’s local station: It will be streaming online at City of Pasadena – Media and will also be seen locally in Pasadena on Channel 3 for Charter subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T U-verse subscribers.
Anyone with additional information should call Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 anytime or Homicide detectives at (626) 744-4511. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website LA Crime Stoppers.
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