Verbal Arguement Turns Deadly

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, July 19, 1999
Rampart Homicide Detectives are investigating the stabbing death of German Hernandez, a male Hispanic approximately 45 years of age.

On July 16, 1999 at approximately 10:50 p.m., Juan Hernandez, a male Hispanic 19 years of age, was in front of the 400 block of South Witmer Street talking to his uncle Cruz Hernandez, a male Hispanic 23 years of age, and a friend. The three suspects, Miguel Montejo, male Hispanic 25 years of age, Guillermo Arcos, male Hispanic 22 years of age, and Juan Alvarez, male Hispanic 26 years of age, were near the victims drinking beer. The suspects, believing the victims had made a remark towards them started an argument. Alvarez produced a knife and began to threaten Cruz Hernandez. Then all three suspects began hitting Juan Hernandez. Cruz Hernandez broke away and summoned German Hernandez the father of Juan Hernandez. The two men then went to the aid of Juan Hernandez. German Hernandez engaged Montejo and Cruz Hernandez grabbed Alvarez in a bear hug preventing him from swinging the knife. During the melee Juan and German Hernandez receive stab wounds.

The suspects fled into an apartment building where responding uniform officers apprehended them.

German Hernandez and Juan Hernandez were transported by rescue ambulance to Los Angeles County General Hospital where German Hernandez succumbed to his injury. Juan Hernandez was treated and released with a stab wound to the leg and trauma to the head.

All tree suspects were booked at jail division for violation of 187 PC-Murder.

For Release 1:15 pm PDT
July 19, 1999