Detectives Arrest Local Gangmember in Murder of Youth

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives announced the arrest of 21-year-old Jason Walton in the shooting of two 14 year olds who were attending a carnival on Sunday. William Cox and Edward Williams were shot in the chest. William died at the scene, but Edward is expected to make a full recovery.

“Thanks to cooperative witnesses and hard-working detectives, we were able to make a quick arrest,” said Captain James Craig of the Southwest Police Station. “I’d like to acknowledge the public and the media’s contribution to solving this murder. We must all continue to beat the drum against violence and gang activity.”

Gang officers from the Wilshire Police Station arrested Walton on November 17, 2005, after spotting him near the 5000 block of Pico Boulevard, around 5 PM. Walton is a resident of Los Angeles.

William Cox and his 14-year-old friend were shot Sunday night, November 13, 2005, as they stood outside a street carnival at 2nd Avenue and Rodeo Road. William’s friend survived his wounds, but William died at the scene, collapsing about 100 feet away from where he was hit.

Neither victim had any gang affiliation.

“This is an age-old story: a good kid in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Detective Don Richards, who is leading the investigation. “Even though homicides are down in the area, one death is one too many.”

The investigation will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office on Monday. When the case is filed, Walton will be charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder. He remains in custody on $1million bail at the downtown LAPD Metropolitan Jail.

To date, there have been 48 murders in the Southwest police area, 10 fewer murders than last year for the same period.

Detectives are still seeking any information that can help them with the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detectives Ed Clark or Stacey Szymkowiak at 213-485-2714. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).