Stop the Violence March and Announce Reward for Murder Suspect

"Stop the Violence March and Announce Reward for Murder Suspect"
 
What:
Stop the Violence March and Press Conference to Announce $25,000 Reward for Murder Suspect
When:
Saturday, August 11, 2001
12:00 p.m.
Where:
Fred Roberts Park, East 48th Place and Honduras Avenue

Los Angeles: On Wednesday, August 8, 2001, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Maria Isabel Villalvazo, 30-year-old, was in the living room of her residence, located in the 1600 block of East 48th Place when several male Hispanic gang members, some of whom were from rival gangs, gathered on the street in front of Villalvazo’s residence. For unknown reasons, gunfire erupted between the rival gangs and nine rounds from the gang members’ guns penetrated the walls of Villalvazo’s residence. Unfortunately Villalvazo was hit and died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.
On Saturday, August 11, 2001, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., residents from the Newton Area community will conduct a "Stop the Violence" march and rally to protest the gang violence in the area. The rally will be held in Fred Roberts Park, located on the corner of East 48th Place and Honduras Avenue. During the rally, a tree will be planted in the park in memory of Villalvazo. Immediate family members and friends, and also other crime victims from the area, will participate in the rally. Entertainment and refreshments will be available during the rally.
Mayor James Hahn, Council member Jan Perry, and the Chief of Police Bernard C. Parks will attend the rally and hold a news conference to announce a reward.
The Los Angeles Police Department, Newton Community Police Station, is seeking the public’s assistance for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) in this murder case. As the person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles has issued a reward of $25,000.
The investigation is being conducted by Newton Area Homicide Detectives. Anyone with information about this murder is asked to call Detectives Flores or Spillane at 323-846-6556 during normal business hours or 323-846-6547 during after hours.
This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.