Hate Crime Murder in Van Nuys

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, September 1, 2000

"Hate Crime Murder in Van Nuys"

Van Nuys – On Friday, September 1, 2000, at approximately 4:00 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department personnel pronounced Jesus Plascencia, a 65 year old Hispanic male, resident of Reseda, dead as the result of a traffic collision in front of the Western Bagel shop located at Sepulveda Boulevard and Stagg Street in Van Nuys, CA. The Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Patrol officers responded to the scene and discovered the suspect, Marie E. West, a 35 year old Caucasian female resident of Redondo Beach, who made statements in regards to hating persons of Hispanic descent. The suspect was subsequently arrested for murder. There were approximately twelve to fifteen witnesses to the incident.

The incident is being classified as a hate crime. Van Nuys Homicide Unit is handling the investigation 818-756-8377.

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

For Release 3:00 pm PDT
September 1, 2000