Gang Member Arrested for the Murder of 17-year old student/athlete

Los Angeles: On Friday, March 7, 2008, Wilshire Area Detectives arrested 19-year old Pedro Espinoza for the murder of Jamiel Andre Shaw.

On March 2, 2008, around 8:40 p.m., Jamiel Andre Shaw was gunned down as he walked to his home. Officers responding to a radio call found Shaw lying on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics rushed Shaw to a local hospital where he passed away.

Working non-stop, detectives and gang officers from Wilshire Area, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Probation Department and the Hard Core Gang Unit of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office conducted extensive interviews, collected evidence and completed follow-up investigations. On Friday March 7, 2008, at 10:50 p.m., Wilshire Area Detectives along with gang enforcement officers arrested 19-year old Pedro Espinoza.

At the time Espinoza was arrested it was believed he was involved in Shaw’s murder. Over the weekend, Wilshire Area Homicide Detectives continued to investigate and developed evidence that identified Espinoza as the suspect who shot and killed Jamiel Shaw.

This morning at 8:00 a.m., Wilshire Area Homicide Detectives presented their case to the LA County DA’s Office and obtained a filing for; 1 count of murder, 1 count for the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime, 1 count gang enhancement, and 1 count of being involved in a street gang murder. Detectives sought and also obtained a special enhancement that Espinoza was “an active participant in a criminal street gang and the murder was carried out to further the activities of the criminal street gang.” The charge could lead to the death penalty.

Arraignment has been scheduled for March 25th for Espinoza who is currently being held without bail. Espinoza had been released from the Los Angeles County Jail just one day before murdering Jamiel Shaw. Espinoza had been serving time for an Assault with a Deadly Weapon committed in Culver City.

One suspect involved in the homicide is still outstanding. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Wilshire Area Homicide Detectives at, 213-473-0446. During off-hours, or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).