Suspect in 1991 Murder Arrested

Los Angeles: A suspect, wanted for a 1991 homicide in Reseda, has been arrested in Deming, New Mexico for transporting narcotics. Martin Juan Zavala, 34 years of old, was arrested in December 2003, by agents from the United States Customs Service. Zavala, using an alias, was caught with 188 pounds of marijuana. He has been formally charged in New Mexico for the narcotics violation and while awaiting trial, a routine fingerprint examination revealed that he was Zavala.

Zavala is charged with the November 16, 1991 murder of 21 year-old Adalid Mota. The murder occurred during an argument at Mota’s residence. Zavala shot Mota with a .38 caliber revolver and fled. It was believed that he fled to Mexico following the killing.

Extradition proceedings are pending.

For further information contact West Valley Detectives, at 818-345-2210.

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.