LAPD Blog

DNA Hit Solves a Cold Case

Los Angeles: Perseverance and the power of modern science brings some closure to a murdered victim’s family.

On June 3, 1989, 42-year old Rita Martin was found brutally stabbed to death in her apartment in the 8900 block of Owensmouth Avenue. Devonshire Division homicide detectives worked the original murder investigation and exhausted all possible leads.  Unfortunately, the case went unsolved for some time.    

In April 2008, one of the original case detectives, Peggy Moseley, began to reinvestigate the murder.  DNA obtained from a possible suspect was tested.  The sample returned with a positive confirmation or “hit.”

The suspect was identified as 50-year-old Keith Lawasior Green.  On Wednesday,
August 20, 2008, Green was arrested in Los Angeles for the murder of Rita Martin.  Green was taken into custody without incident and booked at LAPD’s Van Nuys Jail. 

On August 21, 2008, the case was presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and one count of murder with special circumstances was filed against Keith Lawasior Green.  He is being held without bail.    

Detective Moseley spoke with Rita Martin’s family, who expressed gratitude and appreciation that Rita hadn’t been forgotten.  They were very thankful for Moseley’s dedication and hard work in bringing the case to a conclusion.

For further information contact Devonshire Division homicide detectives at 818-832-0537 or Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586

LAPD Hosts Inaugural “Youth Leadership Day”

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 Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is hosting its first “Youth Leadership Day” at the Ahmanson Recruit Training Center on August 21, 2024 at 8 a.m.

Chief William J. Bratton and Assistant Chief Earl C. Paysinger, Director of Operations, will speak at the event, which unites more than 200 teenagers from throughout Los Angeles with members of the leadership team from the LAPD. 

This event brings LAPD Magnet Academy students and members of our Explorer Posts an opportunity to act in the capacity of a “commanding officer” for a day as partners with our Department command officers.  Participants will “shadow” a staff or commanding officer for the day, tour facilities, get a chance to meet officers from specialized units and see static displays at the Elysian Park Academy.

The hundreds of students, who are participating in this event, have consistently demonstrated their courage and commitment to make a difference in their communities despite significant peer pressure in the schools they attend and the neighborhoods in which they live.   

“Although they derive great satisfaction by being involved in the activities associated with their Explorer Posts and Police Magnet schools, this is an opportunity for them to spend the day as a ‘command officer’ will only heighten their commitment to public service and provide for them a rewarding experience that will likely last a lifetime,” said Sergeant Joe Kuns from the Office of Operations. 

For further information, please contact Sergeant Joe Kuns, Office of Operations at 213-485-4048.

SATELLITE TV SCAM

BEWARE – There is a new scam currently being executed which involves satellite TV subscribers. It has been brought to the Department’s attention that individuals posing as a major satellite TV provider, contact satellite users with offers of better prices and free upgrades as a means of trapping victims into lengthy contracts.

The company identifies itself as major satellite network, but is not directly affiliated with the provider. They send a technician to the user’s residence to install equipment and later present the user with a lengthy contract to be signed. The contract is legally binding and has an exorbitant cancelation fee. The technicians carry their equipment in the major satellite provider’s packaging but do not wear uniforms or drive a company vehicle. The scam artists play on the major satellite provider’s company name in order to deceive victims.

Avoid becoming a victim of this scam. Make certain to ask for a work order or any contract you will be expected to sign in advanced of any work being performed. Contact your provider and verify who was sent to your residence to perform the work before letting anyone in your home, and always ask the technician for identification upon arrival.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics August 19, 2024

VIOLENT CRIMES                2008**             2007**          % Chg

Homicide                             232*                248             -6.5%
Rape                                    483                 571           -15.4%
Robbery                              8010               8466             -5.4%
Agg Assaults **                    7675               8166             -6.0%
Total Violent Crimes       16,400           17,451            -6.0%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                             11746              12350            -4.9%
BTFV                                 18361              19395            -5.3%
Personal/Other Theft         16574              17206            -3.7%
Auto Theft                         13768              14831            -7.2%
Total Property Crimes    60,449            63,782           -5.2%
Total Part I Crimes         76,849            81,233           -5.4%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

Public's Help Sought in Connection with Murder during a Dispute

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking for the public's help in locating a suspect who killed a man during a verbal dispute.

On August 1, 2008, at about 3:35 a.m., 30-year-old suspect Albert Trujillo became involved in an argument with Gilbert Rodriguez, 23, in an alley behind 1127 W. Gaffey St. in San Pedro. As their altercation intensified, Trujillo shot Rodriguez twice in the torso. The suspect then attempted to leave the location in his vehicle, but collided with a parked truck shortly thereafter. Because his vehicle was disabled, Trujillo left on foot and is still at large.

Detectives have secured Trujillo's vehicle, and the District Attorney's Office has issued a felony murder warrant for his arrest. The motive for the murder hasn't been fully established; however, it appears to be gang related.

Anyone with information regarding this case or the suspect's whereabouts is asked to contact LAPD Harbor Area Detectives J. Benavides or F. Rivas at 310-522-2036. On weekends or during off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Robbery Suspect Assaults Police Dog

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) police dog (K-9) was assaulted by a robbery suspect, who tried to run away from police officers.

On Thursday, August 14, 2024 at about 1:40 a.m., LAPD officers went to investigate a "robbery suspect there now" radio call at the 7700 block of Apperson Street in the Foothill area. While officers were talking to the victim, the victim saw the suspects across the street. The officers drove across the street to detain the suspects, but they tried to run away.

Officers established a perimeter and called for assistance from the Metropolitan Division's Canine Unit to search the area for the robbery suspects.

K-9 Officers Cliff Chu, who has 11 years and 8 months with the Department, came to the location with his K-9 partner "Sega." Officers formed a search team and began searching the area. K-9 Sega found one of the suspects, 23-year-old Enrique Contreras, hiding under a vehicle, which was parked in a driveway. Contreras assaulted Sega while he tried to hide himself further under the vehicle. Sega made contact with Contreras after being hit. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. The second suspect, a 16-year-old, was found hiding in a shed.

Los Angeles Fire Department emergency medical personnel came to the scene and transported Contreras to a local hospital where he was treated for injuries to his right arm.

No officers were injured, including K-9 Sega. 

Force Investigation Division is handling the investigation.

Serial Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested

Los Angeles: North Hollywood Detectives have arrested a serial sexual assault suspect and asking any additional victims and witnesses to come forward.

On August 14, 2008, Miguel Angel Barrera, 44, a resident of Chino Hills, was arrested for multiple sexual assaults which occurred in the North Hollywood Area. To date, Barrera is known to have committed sexual offenses against three victims over the past two years.

The female victims are 14 through 23 years old. Barrera met his victims as they walked along the street in both the North Hollywood and Hollywood areas. He offered them high dollar employment as models for magazines and commercials. Barrera often spoke of his connection with movie studios while displaying business cards and photography equipment. After the victims agreed, they were taken to motels in Studio City where they were initially photographed before Barrera sexually assaulted them.

Barrera is an Argentinean with black hair and light colored eyes, 5-10, 190 lbs.  He speaks with an Argentinean accent, dark complexion, and wears his hair slightly long.

Barrera has been associated with two different vehicles, a white 4-door sedan and a red 4-door, 2005 Dodge truck, license number 7P17947.

Barrera had applied to become a US citizen in the past. That request had been denied by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and an ICE hold has been placed on him in addition to his one million dollar bail.

The Los Angeles Police Department is interested in speaking with anyone who may have information on Barrera. All inquiries may be made to North Hollywood Detective Karen Crawford at 818-623-4090. On weekends or after hours, call the toll free 24-hour anonymous number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Notes for the August 19, 2024 Police Commission Weekly Meeting

•    Police Commissioner Andrea Ordin attended a meeting with the Inspector General and commanding officers to discuss the City’s Skid Row Safer City Initiative.

•    Police Commissioner Alan Skobin attended a meeting with Detective Support and Vice Division regarding City Hotel Ordinances and related issues, and met with Antonio Sanchez to discuss a number of issues.  Commissioner Skobin also attended the Special Weapons And Tactics Open House, as well as the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation Twice a Citizen Awards Ceremony.

•    Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended a meeting with the Domestic Violence Task Force. 

•    Police Commissioner John Mack attended the funeral for Darren “Bo” Taylor, along with Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger, Police Chief William Bratton and Sheriff Lee Baca.

•    First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell announced the hiring of 62 new police recruits and the recent graduation of 53 recruits last week.  He stated that the Department’s goal for Fiscal Year 08/09 was to hire 780 new officers.  Chief McDonnell also attended the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation Twice a Citizen Awards Ceremony and noted the Department currently has 708 reserve officers. 

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated August 11, 2008, relative to the Response to City Council Motion No. 07-0461 regarding the Follow-Up Findings of the Firearms Warning Ordinance, No. 178996, was approved and transmitted to the City Council, Public Safety Committee.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 1, 2008, relative to Transmittal of the Grant Award for the Driving under the Influence Enforcement and Awareness Program (DEAP) Grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety Grant, was approved and transmitted
concurrently to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated July 31, 2008, relative to the Ethics Enforcement Section Quarterly Report, First Quarter, 2008, was approved.  The report will be submitted to the Inspector General for additional analysis.

•    The Department’s report, dated July 28, 2008, relative to the Supplemental Police Account XXII (22), Fiscal Year 2008/2009 Expenditure Plan, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 8, 2008, relative to the Status of Civilianization Project of the Los Angeles Police Department, was approved and transmitted to the City Council, Public Safety Committee.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 15, 2008, relative to the Supplemental Police Account Second Quarterly Report (April through June 2008), was approved and transmitted to the City Council and the Office of the City Controller.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 6, 2008, relative to the Tour of Duty for Professional  Standards  Bureau  Investigators  Audit  (AD  No.  07-022), was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated March 28, 2025 and Inspector General’s report, dated June 19, 2008, relative to the Department’s Complaint, Form 1.28, Investigations Audit, Phase II (Fiscal Year 2007/2008), as presented by Police Auditor Erin Kenney and Commander Richard Webb, was continued.   

•    The Department’s report, dated August 13, 2008, relative to the Board of Police Commissioners Request for Management Response to the Department’s Complaint, Form 1.28, Investigation Audit, Phase II,   Fiscal Year 2007/2008, as presented by Police Auditor Erin Kenney and Commander Richard Webb, was continued.

•    The Executive Director’s report, dated August 14, 2008, relative to Awarding of the Police Commission Distinguished Service Medal to Deputy Chief Michael R. Hillmann, was approved.                        

•    The Department’s report, dated August 5, 2008, relative to the Confidential Informant Control Package Audit, Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2007/08 (AD No. C07-006), was received and filed.

•    The Department’s report, dated August 12, 2008, relative to a request by the Board for additional information concerning the Department’s evaluation of Racial Profiling complaint investigations; Executive Director’s report, dated August 19, 2008, relative to Review of Procedures and Processes of Law Enforcement Agencies Relative to Allegations of Racial Profiling, Discrimination and Racial Bias Investigated/ Adjudicated by a Civilian Oversight Body; and verbal and PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Lorie Fridell, PhD, relative to racial profiling, as presented by Deputy Chief Mark Perez, Commander Richard Webb and Dr. Lorie Fridell was approved.  Commander Webb stated that his staff reached out to other major city law enforcement agencies in an effort to compare and contrast the findings on racial profiling cases.  He found that other agencies had similar findings when it came to racial profiling cases.  He also offered suggestions for changes in the adjudication process such as conducting bias checks during recruiting, training on how to deal with others and having allegations such as racial profiling and ethnic remarks be classified under discourtesy.

Suspect Stabs Officer Resulted in Shooting

Los Angeles: A Los Angeles Police Department SWAT officer was stabbed by a barricaded suspect and an Officer-Involved Shooting occurred.

On August 18, 2008, at around 1:20 PM, Southwest Area officers responded to the Wal-Mart at 4101 South Crenshaw Boulevard for a shoplifting suspect who had armed himself with scissors.  Upon arrival, the officers discovered the suspect had barricaded himself inside the security office on the second floor. 

Metropolitan Division SWAT officers responded and made contact with the suspect and attempted to negotiate a safe resolution to the incident.  After negotiating with the suspect for several hours, SWAT Officers Guy Dobine and Neil Coward along with an element of SWAT officers, elected to make a tactical entry into the office.  As they did so, the suspect stabbed Officer Coward.  Officer Dobine fired one round at the suspect, but the suspect was not struck by the round, and was taken into custody. 

Officer Coward was transported to Cedars-Sinai Hospital and was treated for a stab wound to his left hand.  The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was treated minor injuries that resulted during the incident.  He has been identified as Maurice Smith, 47, a resident of Los Angeles.

Officer Dobine has been with the Department for 15 years and Officer Coward with 21 years and 2 months.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the crime against the officers and the Officer-involved Shooting.

Detectives Asking Public’s Help in Identifying Robbery Suspects

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking the public’s help in identifying the suspects responsible for seven armed robberies in the Hollywood area last week.

These robberies occurred between August 8th to 17th within the area of La Cienega Boulevard and La Brea Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard.

There has been between one and three suspects holding up pedestrians with handguns, demanding their wallets or purses.  All of these incidences have occurred in the late evening to early morning hours in residential areas, involving one suspect or three suspects separately. 

The suspects have been described as male Blacks in their 20s, ranging in height from 5’6” to 6’ tall, 150 to 200 pounds. 

“If you are out late at night, if at all possible, take someone with you,” said Detective Gary Kukaua of Hollywood Division.  “And be aware of your surroundings.”  He urged anyone with any information that may lead to the arrest of these suspects to come forward. 

Anyone with information regarding these cases should contact Hollywood Division Detective Gary Kukaua at 213-972-2932.  On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL.