Tagger Turned Murder Suspect Arrested NR10068bb

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Wilshire Homicide detectives announced an arrest of the suspect responsible for the shooting death of gang intervention worker Ronald Lamonte Barron.

On Sunday, February 7, 2010, at around 9 p.m., Ronald L. Barron was on the 5000 Block of West Pico Boulevard when investigators believe he confronted a suspect whom he believed was a “tagger,” spray painting walls and property in the area of Pico Boulevard and Sycamore Street.  During a brief discussion in the middle of Pico Boulevard, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot Barron.  He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead from his injuries.

This morning, Wilshire Area homicide and gang detectives arrested a suspect in connection with the murder.  The suspect is a minor; his name will not be released.  He is not a gang member, but is known as a tagger and acted alone. Detectives do not believe that race was a motivating factor.

The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Wilshire Homicide detectives would like to acknowledge and thank Wilshire Gang Impact Team detectives and the Los Angeles School Police Department for their tireless efforts, knowledge and expertise that led to the identification and arrest in this case.  

Barron was a well known gang intervention and youth development worker for the Amer-I-Can program headed by former National Football League great Jim Brown.  His funeral services are pending.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call Wilshire Homicide Detectives Mark Holguin or Javier Hernandez at 213-473-0446.  During non-business hours, calls may be directed 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may contact Crimestoppers by texting the 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.