$25,000.00 Reward Offered for Killers

WHAT: Press Conference to Announce Reward

WHEN: Thursday, August 22, 2002 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Devonshire Community Police Station 10240 Etiwanda Avenue Northridge

Los Angeles: On Sunday, April 7, 2002, at 9:10 a.m., Devonshire Area officers responded to 14556 Van Nuys Boulevard regarding a battery investigation. Upon arrival, the officers learned that the victim had been transported to Holy Cross Medical Center. The officers then responded to the hospital and were advised by the attending physician that the victim was in critical but stable condition resulting from severe blunt force trauma to the upper torso. At 5:56 p.m., later on the same day, the victim died due to the injuries. The victim has been identified as Juan Pablo Mendez, a 63 year-old, resident of Van Nuys.

The preliminary investigation of this incident has revealed that Mr. Mendez was the victim of a Carjacking, which occurred between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2002, at the car wash located at 14556 Van Nuys Boulevard. Mr. Mendez’ vehicle, which is still outstanding, is described as a red 1995 Mercury, Voyager Van, bearing California license plate number 4KHV800.

***UPDATE***

Despite an exhaustive investigation by the assigned detectives, the identity of the assailant remains unknown. In an effort to generate additional avenues of investigation, a motion was presented to the Los Angeles City Council by Councilman Alex Padilla, requesting a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the suspect or suspects responsible for the beating death of victim Juan Pablo Mendez.

The motion was passed and a press conference to announce the existence of the reward will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2002, at 9:00 a.m. The news conference will be attended by members of the Mendez family, as well as a representative from Councilman Padilla and staff officers of the Los Angeles Police Department. A photograph of the victim and his vehicle will be available for distribution to the media.

Anyone with information relative to the demise of Juan Pablo Mendez should contact the Devonshire Community Police Station at 818-756-8291 during business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.