Two Arrested in South L.A. Homicide NR13207cj

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Criminal Gang/Homicide Division detectives have arrested two people responsible for the murder of 21-year-old Samuel Burge of Los Angeles.

On Sunday, June 2, 2013, around 7:30 p.m., Burge was walking eastbound in the 1000 block of west 74th Street when the suspect, Michael Crook, walked eastbound toward him and began shooting at him.  Burge was struck down by the gunfire and Crook ran north across the street and got into an awaiting car, which was driven by a second suspect named Rosemary Flowers, and they fled the scene.  LAPD 77th officers arrived at scene and found Burge suffering from gunshot wounds.  LAFD transported Burge to a local hospital where here was pronounced dead.

On Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at 12:45 p.m., 44-year-old Rosemary Flowers was arrested in Gardena, California, near her home.  On Monday, June 17, 2013, at 11:30 a.m., 29-year-old Michael Crook, was arrested in Los Angeles.  Both suspects were arrested by members of the LAPD/FBI Fugitive Task Force.  Crook is a gang member from the Hoover Crips, and the motive for this murder was gang related.  Crook and fellow gang members had confronted Burge earlier in the day about his gang status.  Burge was not a gang member.

On Thursday, June 13, 2013, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one count of Murder, (187 P.C.), against Flowers and Crook.  The car used to flee from this crime is also in police custody.

Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detective John Ferreria or Myra Kellum at (213) 485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone 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.