Taco Vendor Killers Captured NA15123jr

June 24, 2015

WHAT: News Conference

WHEN: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Newton Area Community Police Station (Community Room) 3400 South Central Avenue Los Angeles, California 90011

WHO: Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren D. Price, Council District 9 LAPD Captain Jorge Rodriguez, Newton Area Commanding Officer LAPD Lieutenant Rhone, Newton Area Detectives

WHY: On June 19, 2015, 29 year-old Alvaro Mata was working at a taco cart when a red colored vehicle stopped in the street at the intersection of east 51st Street and McKinley Avenue.. Three suspects exited the vehicle and approached the victim to possibly rob him. One of the suspects pointed a gun at the victim and shot him in the face. The suspects then re-entered their vehicle and fled the location. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by LAFD personnel.

Detectives will provide the names of the suspects arrested in connection to this case.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Newton Division Criminal Gang/Homicide Detectives (323) 846-6556. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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. Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detective Eric Crosson or Sam Arnold at (213) 485-1383. During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).