LAPD Blog

Pacoima Murder Suspect Identified

Pacoima,   Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating 34-year-old Napoleon Eduardo Castro, wanted for the murder of his estranged wife.  

In the early morning hours of May 1, 2010, 33-year-old Pacoima resident Olga Martinez was stabbed to death in a garage of her condominium complex located in the 11000 block of Glenoaks Boulevard.

Detectives have identified the estranged husband of the victim, Napoleon Eduardo Castro, as the suspect in the murder. Castro is described as a 34-year-old male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes.  He stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. Castro should be considered armed and dangerous.

A photo of Castro is also available through Foothill Area Detectives.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call Detective Joshua Byers or Corey Farell, Foothill Area Homicide Unit, at 818-756-8860.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

Robbery Series Downtown

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles detectives released video footage and still photos of a robbery duo whom detectives believe committed four armed street robberies in downtown Los Angeles and Chinatown since April 25, 2010.

While the video does not depict the robbery, it does show the moment the two suspects, walking down the sidewalk, see their victim and change their path to rob her.  “It’s quite eerie to watch,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer over downtown detectives.  “It’s like watching the wolf eye the fawn.”

Detectives have attributed four robberies to these two Hispanic men who are in their late teens or early twenties.  The first two robberies occurred on April 25, 2010, fifteen minutes apart.  At 1:30 a.m., two men from a black 4-door car robbed a man in the parking lot in the 900 block of Francisco Street, then the suspects went north to 8th Street and Figueroa Street where they robbed a woman in a parking lot.  The car was described in the first robbery only, and had the attached license plate: 5WTG502.  That plate turned out to have been junked and no longer assigned to a car.

The duo struck again on April 28, in a side alley leading to valet parking in the 800 block of South Broadway.  This robbery is the only one of the robberies captured on video.  “The guy with the gun pointed it right into the 26-year-old woman’s chest, then jerked her purse off her arm.  His accomplice grabbed the phone from her hand,” Lt. Vernon explained. “We hope anyone who recognizes either of these two robbers will call us.”

The most recent robbery attributed to the two occurred on May 3, just after 7 p.m., when they robbed a 30-year-old man of his money and cell phone in a residential area of Chinatown.  “This time the victim described a black Honda, which was consistent with the first robbery in the series,” Lt. Vernon explained.

In the April 28th robbery, both suspects were wearing hoodies.  One hoodie read “American Eagle” across the chest of the shorter suspect.

“Series like these are infrequent, so if the public can help us identify these guys, we can take a big bite out of the robberies and help people feel safer,” Lt. Vernon added.

This investigation is being conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Division Robbery Detectives.   Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Al Rasch at 213-972-1245.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

Video and still photos are available from Central Area Detective Division.

Senseless Shooting in a South L.A. Nightclub Leaves One Dead and One in the Hospital

UPDATE

May 5, 2025

Detectives from the LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide Division have obtained video footage from a local business regarding the incident below.  Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in the video.

*The video can be viewed at www.lapdtv.org

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) 77th Homicide Squad detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) who were involved in a shooting in South Los Angeles.

Early this morning at around 2:05 a.m., two men were walking to a night club located on the 2300 block of West 54th Street.  When they entered the front doorway of the club, the suspect shot both men numerous times.  The first victim managed to run into the club before collapsing, while the second fell to the ground in the entryway of the club.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the first victim dead.  The other was transported to a nearby hospital where he is being treated for gunshot wounds.

There is no description of the suspect at this time.  

The identity of the first victim is being withheld until his family has been notified.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Division, 77th Homicide Squad Detectives Richard Guzman and William Ritch at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call     Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting 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 LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

2010 Recognition Award Ceremony

Click here for podcast

Today, the Los Angeles Police Department recognized several sworn and civilian men and women from the Department for their dedication and commitment towards the citizens of their community.  Chief Beck stated, “My heroes are not athletes, they are not movie stars, they are not television personalities, they are simply police officers and civilians that work for the Police Department.”

Recipients received the Human Relations and the Police Meritorious Unit Citation medal for their outstanding work for the Department.  Chief Beck also stated “I’m extremely proud of what you do every day. All of you work harder than needed, harder than expected and all of you put yourself behind the needs of others. That’s what service is all about.”

The award ceremony took place in the Ronald Deaton Auditorium located at the Police Administration Building. 

Police Commission Elects Alan Skobin As Vice President

Los Angeles –  On May 4, 2010, the members of the Police Commission unanimously elected Police Commissioner Alan J. Skobin as Vice President of the five member panel.  The Vice President serves with the Police Commission President as the leadership team, and also fills all of the responsibilities of the Commission President in his or her absence.  The Vice President position was recently vacated by outgoing Commissioner Andrea Sheridan Ordin, who was appointed Los Angeles County Counsel.

Vice President Skobin has served as a Police Commissioner since 2003. He is the Vice President and General Counsel of Galpin Motors, Inc., in the San Fernando Valley. A Reserve Chief for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Vice President Skobin is widely recognized for his expertise in many areas of law enforcement, including efficient use of resources, officer use of force incidents, technology, and employee relations. He is also a strong advocate for community based policing.

“I am very humbled and appreciative by this honor and additional way to serve that I have been entrusted with by my fellow Police Commissioners. The five Police Commissioners are each an important part of a dedicated team, and I look forward to continuing to work with each of them and the Los Angeles Police Department as we build on the momentum and continue the progress that has been made” stated Vice President Skobin.

Police Commission Selects New Inspector General

Los Angeles – Today, the members of the Police Commission announced their selection for a new Inspector General. Ms. Nicole Bershon, who currently serves as an Assistant Inspector General, was selected for the post.  Police Commission President John W. Mack stated, “Ms. Bershon was an outstanding candidate among a group of very talented individuals.  I am confident that she will build upon the foundation laid by André Birotte and her other predecessors who have ensured 21st century policing, transparency and accountability at the Los Angeles Police Department.”

Nicole Bershon holds an undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. While in law school, she co-founded the UCLA Women's Law Journal and served as its Co-Editor in Chief during her third year. Following law school, she joined the law firm of Stutman, Treister & Glatt, a bankruptcy boutique, where she represented mostly corporate debtors in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and out-of-court work-outs. She then joined the law firm of Irell & Manella where she worked on civil litigation and white collar criminal defense matters. She left private practice to join the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office where she spent five years in the criminal side of the office, prosecuting a variety of misdemeanors, including domestic violence matters, narcotics offenses, and gang-related crimes. She then spent over a year in the Police Division of the City Attorney's Office, representing the Los Angeles Police Department and individual officers, first in connection with Pitchess requests for peace officer personnel records, and later in connection with civil litigation matters.  In 2002, she became an Assistant Inspector General with the Office of the Inspector General.  Ms. Bershon currently heads the Complaint Intake and Review Section, however she has also led others sections and is well-versed in all responsibilities of the Office of the Inspector General.

Ms. Bershon will serve as the fifth Inspector General for the Los Angeles Police Commission.  Preceding her are André Birotte Jr., Jeff Eglash, Deirdre Hill, and Katherine Mader.

Mission Hills Fatal Hit-and-Run Collision

Los Angeles: On April 26, 2010, around 10 p.m., a fatal hit-and-run traffic incident occurred in the Mission Hills area when a pedestrian was struck by two vehicles while walking northbound in an unmarked crosswalk on Langdon Avenue at Lassen Street.  

Initially, a suspect driving an unknown black sedan traveling westbound on Lassen Street hit the pedestrian, 19-year-old Mission Hills resident Alexander Jonathan Brooks, and continued driving. Brooks was then thrown about 50 feet in a southwesterly direction landing in the eastbound lanes on Lassen Street and was struck again by a second, eastbound vehicle. Fortunately, the driver of the second vehicle stopped to render aid as required by law.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

This investigation is being conducted by Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division (VTD) detectives.  Anyone who may have additional information about this hit-and-run collision is urged to contact VTD Officer Fuentes at 818-644-8020 or VTD Detective Bustos at 818-644-8021.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics May 1, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                                95*                 92             3.3%
Rape                                     230                 270          -14.8%
Robbery                               3726               4142          -10.0%
Agg Assaults **                     3046               3633          -16.2%
Total Violent Crimes             7097              8137          -12.8%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 5486             6106           -10.2%
BTFV                                      9613             9826            -2.2%
Personal/Other Theft             8269             9220           -10.3%
Auto Theft                             5812             5993            -3.0%
Total Property Crimes       29,180         31,145           -6.3%
Total Part I Crimes            36,277         39,282          -7.6%

* 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

Arrest of Valley Serial Kidnap / Sexual Assault Suspect

Los Angeles: On April 28, 2010, Los Angeles Police Department West Valley Area detectives arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for a string of attempts since at least March 2009 to kidnap and/or sexually assault young women, mostly in the West Valley area.  Detectives are asking for others who may have been similarly victimized by the suspect to come forward.

At this time, the first known incident occurred on March 19, 2009, about 6 p.m., when 23-year-old suspect Jose Perez approached a 15-year-old girl from behind at a Sherman Oaks area school where she was a student.  Placing his hand over her mouth, he dragged her into the bushes near a classroom and began to sexually assault and punch her as she struggled.  After a short time, Perez stopped what he was doing and ran from the location.

The second known incident occurred on May 8, 2009, about 4:30 p.m.  Again, the victim was a 15-year-old girl.  As she approached the gate of her apartment building, the suspect grabbed her from behind and began to drag her toward his vehicle.  Struggling, they both fell to the ground, and Perez then left the location in the four-door, silver Volkswagen he was driving.

A third incident happened on Nov. 11, 2009, to a 13-year-old girl.  As the girl walked to the home of a friend, she saw the suspect get out of a white, GMC Yukon SUV.  Perez approached her, grabbed her arms and pulled her several feet toward his vehicle.  Fortunately, the victim was able to break free of his grasp, and the suspect drove away in his car.

At least two more incidents involving Perez occurred in April of this year.  On April 26, a 13-year-old girl was sitting in front of a Van Nuys area school when she saw the suspect coming toward her in a gray Volkswagen Jetta.  After parking nearby, he got out of his car, approached the victim and began asking her questions.  He then lowered his body and fondled her, at which time she immediately pushed his hand aside, stood up and walked away.  At that point, the suspect got back into his car and drove off, but the victim was able to make note of his license plate number.

Two days later, on April 28, an 18-year-old woman exited a school bus and was walking home when she noticed a white SUV slowing down alongside her.  As she passed the vehicle, the suspect got out of his car and approached her from behind.  He then grabbed her, lifted her off the ground and walked her back to his car where he forced her into the rear of the vehicle.  Fortunately, the woman’s uncle happened to be in the immediate area.  As Perez attempted to close the door, the victim’s uncle heard his niece screaming for help and started to run toward the suspect, startling him.  The victim was then able to get out of the vehicle, and the suspect drove away, heading west in an alley and then north on Lindley Avenue. Once again, his license plate number was captured.

LAPD officers were summoned to the April 28 incident, responding to a call of an attempted kidnapping.  After speaking with the victim’s uncle and getting descriptions of the suspect and his vehicle, along with details of the incident, the officers were immediately able to broadcast Perez’ description and his vehicle information.  Two Devonshire Area officers who heard the broadcast began searching for the suspect’s vehicle and observed one matching its description at Parthenia Street and Reseda Boulevard.  After conducting a traffic stop, they were able to take Perez into custody without incident.  He remains in custody and his bail has been set at $2.13 million.   

Both the 18-year-old victim and her uncle were brought to the location where Perez was arrested and detained to identify him, and both confirmed that the arrestee was the man they had encountered.  Also, the 14-year-old victim from the April 26 incident identified Perez without hesitation in a lineup.  “All of the victims up to this point are to be commended for valiantly resisting the suspect,” said LAPD West Valley Commanding Officer Captain John Egan.  “Their efforts played an important part in facilitating their escape.”  

Detectives believe there could be additional victims and strongly encourage anyone who has more information or believes he or she has been subjected to Perez’ assaults to come forward by calling Lt. Edward Pape or Detective John Doerbecker at 818-374-7730.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.

63-year-old Suspect Arrested for Killing Mother and Uncle

Los Angeles: On Friday, April 30, 2010, at around 9:05 a.m., officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Area responded to a "Homicide suspect there now" radio call in the 7000 block of Eton Avenue in Canoga Park.  The initial report led officers to believe that a man had killed his mother and father.

When the officers arrived, they were met by 63-year-old Arthur Reyes Moralesa, a resident of Canoga Park who immediately surrendered to the officers.  The officers continued their investigation and found 85-year-old Manual Reyes, and 87-year-old Rita Morales, dead inside the home.  It appeared that their fatal injuries were caused by blunt force trauma.  

The suspect had been the primary care giver for both of the decedents, who have now been confirmed as the suspect’s mother and uncle.  The motive for this crime is still unknown.

Arthur Reyes Moralesa was arrested and booked at Van Nuys Jail for two counts of murder and is being held on a $2,000,000 bail.  

Los Angeles Police Department Homicide Detectives assigned to Topanga Area are handling the investigation.  For additional information, please call Topanga Area Homicide Detectives Detectives Pogue and Williams at 818-756-3363.