Taxicab Murderers Arrested

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, October 7, 1999
On June 21, 1999, Gerardo Jimenez was shot and killed inside his taxicab. The suspects involved in the murder were identified as Adriana Uribe and Mabelin Torres. Felony warrants were obtained charging Uribe and Torres with murder and other related crimes.

Hollywood Homicide detectives distributed wanted bulletins throughout California and the Western United States. During the course of the investigation information from police officers and citizens indicated that the suspects may have fled the United States and were hiding in Tijuana, Mexico.

On September 5, 1999, Mabelin Torres was arrested for possession of marijuana by United States Customs Agents at the Otay Mesa border crossing in San Diego County. Torres used a false name during this arrest and it wasn’t until September 22, 1999 that Hollywood detectives were informed that Torres was in custody. A murder warrant was attached to her original narcotics charge and she is currently awaiting trial in San Diego County on the smuggling offense.

On October 6, 1999, a security officer assigned to the United States Protective Services was on duty at the international border crossing at San Ysidro, California. The officer observed Adriana Uribe and recognized her from the wanted bulletin. The officer immediately notified additional officers and Uribe was taken into custody when she crossed the border into the United States. Uribe was transported to Hollywood Police station and subsequently booked for murder at Van Nuys jail.

The case is being handled by Hollywood Homicide Detectives Miller and Gannon.

For Release 8:50 am PST
October 7, 1999