Hollywood Detectives Investigate Murder Case

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, December 28, 1999
On Sunday, December 26, 1999, at approximately 5:10 PM, Hollywood Patrol officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 700 block of North Ridgewood Place. Upon arrival, the officers discovered an unidentified male who had sustained a gunshot wound.

The victim was transported to Cedars-Sinai Hospital by a Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance. He subsequently expired from his wounds.

The victim has not been identified at this time.

The motive for this incident is unknown. Witnesses have indicated that one witness/suspect possibly fled from the scene.

One possible suspect has been arrested at this time. He has been identified as Wilfredo Molina, 18 years of age, a resident of Los Angeles. Witnesses and additional evidence have placed Mr. Molina at the scene at the time of the incident.

Detectives are actively seeking the outstanding suspect/witness. He is described as a male Hispanic, approximately 18-23 years of age, 5’7" tall, 130 pounds. Anyone having information regarding this crime is asked to contact Detectives John Miller and Tom Chevolek, Los Angeles Police Department, Hollywood Homicide Unit at 213-485-6410, or after hours, Detective Headquarters Division at 213-485-2504.

UPDATE:

The victim has been identified as Ilin Mendieta, 26 years of age, a resident of Los Angeles.

Wilfredo Molina, 18 years of age, a resident of Los Angeles, and a friend of Mendieta, was arrested following the shooting. Preliminary investigation has shown that Molina was attempting to load a semi-automatic handgun when the weapon discharged, killing Mendieta.

On December 28, 1999, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office filed a charge of Involuntary Manslaughter against Molina.

Hollywood Homicide Detectives John Miller and Tom Chevolek are handling the investigation.

For Release 9:35 am PST
December 28, 1999