Woman Stabbed to Death Near Officer Involved Shooting May Be Connected NRF003-17an

**The following information is based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances of the incident may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Downtown Los Angeles: The body of a 32-year old female found dead one block away from an officer involved shooting may be related to the suspect who confronted officers with a large knife.

On January 10, 2017, around 4:50 p.m., a man armed with a large kitchen knife was observed on Hope Street just south of 11th Street in downtown Los Angeles. The armed man who was later identified as Michael Rogers, attempted to “car-jack” a Department of Transportation (DOT) Officer’s vehicle at knifepoint. As Rogers attempted to take the DOT vehicle, a security guard from a nearby building observed the carjacking and responded to help the DOT officer. The security guard and the DOT officer were able to fend off Rogers, who abandoned his attempt to take the DOT vehicle.

Officers from LAPD’s Central Traffic Division were driving southbound on Hope Street when they observed the DOT officer waving at them and the officers stopped their vehicle. Suddenly Rogers charged at the driver’s side of the police vehicle armed with a knife. The officers quickly drove away from Rogers and made a U-turn to re-approach him.

Rogers, still armed with the large knife, entered a nearby business causing the patrons and employees to scramble and run out of the store and away from Rogers. Rogers emerged from the business onto the sidewalk area and began walking toward the officers who were now stopped and facing the sidewalk. Rogers continued to walk toward the officers still armed with the large knife. Officer David Machain who was standing behind the passenger door of his police car ordered Rogers to stop and drop the knife several times. Suddenly Rogers ran directly toward Officer Machain screaming “I’m going to kill you”. Officer Machain continued yelling at Rogers to stop, but Rogers continued to run at Officer Machain with the knife. Officer Machain fired several rounds at Rogers as he came within a few feet of Officer Machain. Rogers was struck by the gunfire and fell to the ground. Officers immediately requested LAFD paramedics who responded and transported Rogers to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The officers, nor any innocent bystanders were injured during this incident.

Following the Officer Involved Shooting, additional officers arrived on scene to assist in securing the crime scenes. A short time later, a citizen approached one of the officers and reported that she had just arrived home and discovered the body of a woman in her residence. Officers and a supervisor responded to her residence which was located in the 1100 block of Flower Street, to investigate her report of a possible dead woman. When the officers arrived at the residence they observed a woman who appeared to be deceased on the floor. Closer observation revealed the woman had multiple stab wounds. The victim was later identified as 32-year old Lisa Ramirez, who worked in the residential building as a custodian. Investigators examined the crime scene and evidence at the scene of the homicide, and based upon their initial findings they began to piece together details that lead them to believe that Michael Rogers was likely the person responsible for killing Miss Ramirez.

Rogers lived in the residence where Ramirez was found murdered. Investigators believe that Rogers lured Miss Ramirez into his apartment around 3:20 p.m. and then stabbed her multiple times causing her death. Rogers then fled the scene on foot and was later discovered one block away on Hope Street. Investigators discovered that Rogers went inside another residential building where he wandered about the 15th floor. A security officer from that building made contact with Rogers and escorted him out the building. The same security officer continued to watch Rogers and later observed Rogers attempting to carjack the DOT officer. The security officer then helped the DOT officer fend off Rogers.

According to investigators, Rogers has several prior domestic violence arrests resulting in two felony convictions. Rogers was on probation for domestic violence at the time of these incidents. Investigators also learned that Rogers had a history of substance abuse related to alcohol and narcotics. It was unknown at the time of these incidents if Rogers was under the influence of any substance. The Coroner’s office will make that determination during their examination. The motive for the killing of Miss Ramirez is unknown at this time.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. In addition, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division will conduct a comprehensive review of the incident to determine whether any of the officers’ actions violated California criminal statutes.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call LAPD’s Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or send a text to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) on most keypads with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”

Anyone with additional information regarding the homicide is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department, Central Division Homicide at 213-833-3750. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.