Articles Posted in Violent Crime

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A tragic shootout occurred in St. Louis last week when two men opened fire at each other in public streets. During the shootout, which happened just outside of an apartment complex in the 1900 block of Hodiamont Avenue, 46 year old Juliette Cleveland-Davis was walking with her three grandchildren when one of the bullets struck her in the middle of her chest; rendering her dead at the scene. Her three grandchildren, ages 4, 5 and 7, were fortunately unharmed, but sadly had to watch their own grandmother succumb to the violence. The two men responsible for the exchange of bullets are Errick Owens and Tommy Dora Jr., both being held without bond while they await trial. Owens, 20, who lives on the 7400 block of San Diego avenue in North St. Louis county, was the first one captured and charged; murder and armed criminal action. The second man, Tommy Dora Jr., resides on the 5900 block of Ridge Avenue and was captured Saturday evening and charged with the same crimes. The two men are also suspected to have been firing at a third person who has yet to be identified by authorities.

Sources:
“Second Man Charged in Shooting of St. Louis Grandmother” – Post-Dispatch

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At Jay-Z and Beyonce’s Rose Bowl concert in Pasadena, an interesting altercation occurred between a man, woman and the woman’s boyfriend. The man, later identified to be 25-year-old Roberto Alcaraz-Garnica, apparently copped a feel on the wrong girl; her boyfriend was extremely unappreciative. The woman’s boyfriend confronted Alcaraz-Garnica directly about his actions and a fight broke out, and a violent one at that. According to police, Alcaraz-Garnica, the man accused of groping the woman, bit part of one of the boyfriend’s fingers off! He was immediately arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of sexual battery and “mayhem,” held on $100,000 bail. Authorities are unaware if Roverto Alcaraz-Garnica has a lawyer or if one needs to be provided to him. The woman and her boyfriend were not charged, but police did make 10 other various arrests during Saturday’s concert. Roughly 55,000 fans attended this particular concert and the same turnout was expected at the second concert Sunday. Hopefully no fingers were lost.

Sources:
“Fingertip Bitten off At Beyonce/Jay-Z concert in San Diego” – CBS 8

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CNN San Diego reported that things aren’t looking good for Tom Greer, an 80-year-old man who sealed his own fate when two individuals tried to rob him. The two burglars, later identified to be 26-year-old Gus Adams and 28-year-old Andrea Miller, broke into his home in Long Beach, CA. When Greer approached the pair of robbers – who were trying to get into his safe -they quickly began assaulting him. They threw the old man onto the ground, immediately fracturing his collarbone, but he wasn’t down for the count yet. While the thieves continued their effort to open the safe, Greer took advantage of their distraction and grabbed his .22 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver. The pair, Miller and Adams, ran out of the house as soon as they saw the elderly man was armed and packing some heat. You’d think a homeowner would be happy when they were able to drive criminals away and still have mostly everything in tact, but not Tom Greer. He followed them outside and everywhere they went, leading to a nearby alleyway – where he shot his .22 caliber at Miller; hitting her in the back. Adams had already ran off out if site, but Miller was in trouble. She was a bloody mess on the ground and when Greer approached her, she begged for her life and even claimed to be pregnant; he shot her anyway. Adams was later found and taken into custody on suspicion of murder for taking part in a crime leading to Miller’s death, and Greer is merely in custody awaiting charges. Speculation leans more towards Greer getting charged for second-degree murder because his actions weren’t premeditated but left the realm of self-defense.

Sources:
“Sould 80-year-old Homeowner Be Charged With Murder?” – CNN San Diego

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A few blog entries back I went into detail about a murder case under investigation that occurred on the Fourth of July. The body of a man in his 50’s was found outside near the street in a suburban neighborhood in Vista. Later, it was discovered the body belonged to Robert Evasick, and that his body was in fact residing on his own property. Shortly after, police began questioning the locals about the Evasick residence and were informed of another individual that resided on the premises; Alexander Wyman. Authorities instantly began searching for Wyman for questioning, but were unable to locate him. When the medical examiners determined Evasick’s death was a result of homicidal acts, a full blown manhunt ensued with authorities reaching out for information from the public through anonymous tips on Wyman’s location. Luckily, the search came to an end Friday as the L.A.P.D took Wyman into custody at 9 p.m. before handing him over to the detectives in San Diego who were originally investigating the case. Wyman will undergo serious questioning to determine his level of involvement in the death of Evasick, but as for right now he remains in the hands of the police.

Sources:
“Man Arrested in Vista Murder Investigation” – Fox 5 San Diego

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For most people, the Fourth of July holiday and the days following are full of good times and fond memories; but not all. On July 5, deputies went out to a location described in an anonymous call, where an injured man was spotted. When they arrived at the scene, 3600 block of Gopher Canyon road at around 3:30 p.m., the deputies were shocked to find the body of Rober Evasick. Evasick, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene, which so happened to be on his own property in front of his house. Authorities have yet to disclose all of the details, but have revealed that the victim’s injuries were indeed inflicted by another person – making this a homicide case.

According to the locals, there was another man who lived with Evasick — 37-year-old Alexander Wyman. Authorities have been searching for him to begin questioning for the investigation, but he is nowhere to be found as of today. If you or a friend know anything about Wyman or his location, you may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. He is about 5’11” and weighs around 200 pounds, is a caucasian with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing dark colored shorts and a white Padres-logo t-shirt. If you think you can help, call the San Diego County Crime Stoppers.

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A strange and chilling sentence to a murder occurred just two days ago, a case involving immense amounts of cruelty and insanity. Anthony Estrada, a 44 year-old resident in a home on Huron Avenue, brutally murdered his girlfriend of 14 years while simultaneously attempting to trap her two daughters in their rooms. Estrada stabbed his girlfriend, 46 year-old Margaret Pappas, in the chest and then in the head – over and over again. He then covered her corpse with a pile of laundry and lit it on fire, burning the room and her body. Estrada lit three fires in the house and left the premises, but before doing so he placed chairs in front of Pappas’ daughters rooms; luckily, they escaped the flaming, burning house safely. After Estrada exited the house, he walked to Clairemont High School, asking school administrators if they were police officers – obviously exhibiting odd behavior and perception. He stood there in front of them and stated “I just killed my girlfriend…I’m tired of running.” He was then taken into custody, and recently pleaded guilty to second degree murder and arson. He was sentenced to 21 years to life in prison, just two days ago on June 4, 2014; the crime occurred on February 6, 2012.

One of the daughters, Brenda Gould, told a tale of bizarre acts Estrada had begun to show in the weeks before the murder. He insisted people were watching him, showing signs of extreme paranoia. She attempted to take him to a nearby hospital to be treated, but he refused. The daughters were present in the courtroom where the sentencing commenced, but even though he was sentenced to a long stint in prison, they still feel betrayed in their hearts.

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A relationship gone wrong ended with the tragic death of 31 year-old Victor Saucedo, who was murdered inside of his own apartment. This unfortunate event occurred on October 16, 2012, but just yesterday the judge presiding over the case ruled that the victim’s ex-girlfriend must stand trial for murder. The ex-girlfriend, 25 year-old Vegas Bray, allegedly had been stalking Victor Saucedo ever since their non-mutual breakup back in late 2011, going as far as to commit random acts of vandalism to get back at him. The ex-couple had originally started dating in 2010, after the two met while serving in the Navy; only having dated approximately a year. Jealousy was the cause of their break-up, fueling Vegas Bray’s aggressive and persistent behavior an entire year later, stalking Saucedo the entire time. Bray couldn’t handle the fact Saucedo had a child with another woman, eventually pushing Saucedo over the edge enough to end the relationship. After the break-up, things went downhill fast. Bray’s vandalism to Saucedo’s possessions include popping his car’s tires and smearing peanut butter all over the front door to his home – even going so far as to chase him down when he changed apartments to escape her behavior. The straw that broke the camel’s back, so to speak, was a conversation between the two at his apartment the night before the murder, where there was talk of giving the relationship another shot; Saucedo declined the possibility. Bray didn’t leave his apartment until the next morning, but later returned with a .38 caliber revolver and unleashed her rage upon defenseless Saucedo, shooting him an astonishing nine times, leaving a bloody scene in her wake. Afterward, she called 911, claiming Saucedo had committed suicide – obviously thinking they were naive enough to believe a person could shoot themselves nine times without dying halfway through (or being able to angle it towards oneself, for that matter). The presiding judge ruled there is enough evidence to proceed with Bray standing trial, with her superior court date set for June 12.

Sources:
“Trial Ordered For Woman In Murder of Ex-boyfriend” – Fox 5, San Diego

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A San Diego woman, Tanya Lorenzo, is finally stepping out to speak her version of the truth about her husband, San Diego police officer Gilbert Lorenzo. Tanya, 24, sat down with NBC 7 and described a horrible scene of domestic violence where she legitimately felt her life was in danger. According to Tanya, her husband Gilbert Lorenzo, 31, sunk his teeth into her back and then proceeded to drag her along the carpet by her neck. In an attempt to get him to release her, she grabbed his groin area; he didn’t let up. The fight only came to a close because the neighbors ran to Tanya’s rescue and pulled Gilbert off of her. Tanya went on to describe her feelings on the matter, stating she never thought her husband could do something like that – causing her to feel her life was in danger. Gilbert Lorenzo, on the other hand, has a different version to tell. He claims to be not only guilt-free of domestic violence, but that he is victim himself! He claims his wife Tanya is bi-polar with violent mood swings, possessing prescription medication for the disorder. He also claims she has abused or continues to abuse alcohol, cocaine and methamphetamine…and it doesn’t stop there. Mr. Lorenzo filed a formal document requesting custody of his children, stating their mother is unpredictable, violent and has made threats to take the kids to Mexico. Tanya’s response to Gilbert’s allegations was simple, in which she stated she has never been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and has never used drugs. Like many women who become victims of domestic violence, Tanya kept quiet the first time her husband showed signs of it. She wanted to stand by her husband and was reluctant to tear her family apart over one incident. When it happened again, however, it was a different story; she feared for her life. At this point in time, Tanya feels she will never be able to forgive him and she can no longer help him. There has been no word on Gilbert Lorenzo’s status in the police department and if he will remain a part of the force.

Sources:

“Accused Cop, Wife Allege Physical Abuse, Drug Use in Public Feud” –

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A neighbor called 911 after she heard the sounds of a dangerous altercation outside of the home of Graham Downes, a San Diego architect. When police arrived, they found a bloody scene of violence – Downes laying unresponsive on the ground with his assailant drunkenly resting on his dead body.

The attacker was Higinio Salgado, one of Downes’ employees. Earlier that evening, Downes and some of his employees met up at a bar – including Salgado – where trouble was already starting to brew. According to the others present at the bar, Salgado was beginning to become ‘loud’ and ‘obnoxious,’ even insulting one of the female employees with them. Somehow, the party continued on to Downes’ San Diego home. As told by one of the individuals present, an argument started when a man’s name, another employee not at the gathering, came up in conversation. Salgado began raging at his boss, expressing his discontent and hatred for the man mentioned, asserting that he “better not take his job.” The others present were able to diffuse the situation and change the subject, but stated that Salgado “couldn’t let it go.”

Later that night, when the women had gone home, Salgado continued yelling and soon became violent. He was heavily intoxicated and began beating on his boss, inflicting blunt force trauma up to 21 times. Salgado’s blood alcohol level was around 2.0 at the time of the incident, over twice the legal driving limit for the state of California.

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Two local gangs in San Diego located out of North Park have been indicted for a large compilation of criminal affairs. San Diego police and the FBI have arrested 17 gang members and associates who had direct involvement in the case, which is comprised primarily of sex trafficking crimes spread throughout the country, but also other crimes including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, and drug trafficking. Three other suspects were arrested in Arizona and New Jersey and three remain yet to be found and brought to justice. Sadly, prostitution has became an increasingly profitable business for street gangs, whose members proudly flaunt their “pimp status” with gold chalices and scepters worth thousands of dollars on the internet through social media sites, showing the extent to which gang activity can spread. San Diego U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy stated on this issue, “The kind of sex trafficking described in this indictment is nothing less than modern-day slavery. Unfortunately, more gangs are expanding from traditional pursuits like drug dealing into this lucrative business.” Duffy also stated that this will be the second time her office has utilized the racketeering statute to pursue a street gang, the first in 2011 when 39 members of an Oceanside gang were indicted for charges involving the prostitution of women and underage girls. All defendants in the current case have been accused of luring young women and girls into prostitution either against their will or by methods of persuasion and manipulation. Shockingly, they are accused of traveling to several cities throughout 23 states and selling sex in local hotel rooms, acts that have accumulated 60 known female victims thus far, 11 who were minors as young as the age of 15. The defendants being held locally are set to make their first court appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Major.

In connection with the case, murder accusations date back to 1995 with the killing of a 20-year-old pizza deliveryman named Tariq Khamisa who was shot to death during a robbery believed to be executed by gang members. Authorities have also taken several illegal items into custody that were found during their arrests, including two guns, six luxury cars, more than 50 pairs of Air Jordan shoes, flat-screen televisions, thousands of dollars in cash, and multiple marijuana plants. The indictment states that the crimes were headed by a combination group of the two gangs in the North Park neighborhood that police have named “BMS”. Members of the group even went so far as to cross ties with other local street gangs for the management of prostitutes, hotel room booking, money handling, and the distribution of drugs. Attorney Duffy said, “Members of BMS are really akin to a crime family whose members were all working together to commit various crimes for one purpose. And that purpose was simply to earn money for the organization.” All the defendants recruited young girls and women into prostitution through various methods including threats, violence, and promising them a glamorous lifestyle, and then branded them as property with tattoos and bar codes. Many of the victims were picked up through popular social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Several of the defendants and their obedient victims were also found to have attended “Players’ Balls” parties which took place all throughout the country. These parties are intended to celebrate the gangsters, pimps, and prostitutes and glorify their so-called business ventures. The victims of this case have thus been pulled out of the horrific life they had fallen prisoner to and are being offered medical and psychological services.

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