Dispute Over Boxing Match Ends In Death

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Sunday, December 3, 2000

"Dispute Over Boxing Match Ends In Death"

Los Angeles: Homicide Detectives of Wilshire Operations Support Division are investigating a homicide that occurred inside the apartment building located at 258 South Serrano Avenue. At approximately 12:45 am on December 3, 2000, after watching a televised boxing match, the victim and suspect became involved in a verbal and physical altercation, during which, the suspect stabbed the victim in the abdomen area. The suspect then returned to his apartment which is located in the same building.

Paramedics responded to the location to provide treatment to which the victim failed to respond. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Responding officers took the suspect into custody and he was subsequently booked for murder. The motive for the incident was a verbal dispute.

The victim has been identified as Pascual Santiago Cruz, a 23 year old resident of Los Angeles. The suspect has been identified as Ignacio Juan Lopez, a 32 year old resident of Los Angeles.

The investigation is being conducted by Wilshire Homicide Detectives Frank Bolan and Jose Chavez and they can be contacted at 213-473- 0444.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586. Information for the press release was provided by Detective III Mel Smith of the Wilshire Homicide Unit.

For Release 5:00 pm PST
December 3, 2000