Sheriff Deputy Shot and Killed, Investigators Asking for Publics Help

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding the person(s) responsible for the shooting death of Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Abel Escalante.

On Saturday, August 2, 2008 at about 5:40 a.m., Escalante left his home in Cypress Park near the 3400 block of Thorpe Street to go to work. As he stood by his car, an unidentified suspect or suspects shot him to death from a vehicle.

Los Angeles Fire Department medical personnel responded to the area and pronounced the victim.

LAPD Robbery Homicide Detectives are handling the investigation and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau is assisting with the investigation. LAPD Detectives are working closely with the Sheriff’s Department and are following up on multiple leads, concerning various possibilities.

“We need the community’s help to solve this murder,” said Detective Steven Eguchi, one of the investigators assigned to this case. “Without the public’s help, this investigation could go on for a very long time.”

Escalante was assigned to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Mens’ Central jail. He was very close to his three young children and served in the United States Army Reserve.

Members of the community, the LAPD and Sheriff’s Department held a prayer vigil in Escalante’s honor on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the site of his murder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Robbery Homicide Division Detectives Thomas Mathew or Steven Eguchi at 213-485-2531. After hours and on weekends calls may be directed to the 24-hour toll free number, 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).