LAPD Blog

22-Year-Old Man Fatally Shot

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred Monday evening.

On January 31, 2011, at about 8:30 p.m., 22 year-old Ernesto Villagomez was walking at the Northwest corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Normandie Avenue when an unknown suspect(s) walked up to the victim and shot him.  The suspect(s) then fled in an unknown direction.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

The motive for the shooting is believed to be gang-related. The suspect(s) are unknown and the weapon used has not been recovered.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Hollywood Homicide Detectives R. Rodriguez or S. Brandstetter at 213-972-2910. 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 Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may alsocontact 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.

$50,000 Reward Being Offered in Murder of 14-Year-Old Emmery Munoz

Los Angeles:  Councilmember José Huizar and LAPD's Hollenbeck Homicide detectives asked for the public's help with providing any information that will lead to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the 2006 murder of Boyle Heights resident Emmery Munoz.

Munoz was last seen at home by her mother, Maria Mejia, on Friday, January 20, 2006.  Two days later, Mejia reported Munoz missing to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, East L.A. Station.   

On January 25, 2025 LAPD Hollenbeck detectives were assigned to handle the case.  The investigation led them to a body that was found at a loading dock of an abandoned business located at 1513 Marisol Street.  The body was identified as 14-year-old Emmery Munoz.  On May 11, 2025 it was determined that the cause of death was due to asphyxiation.  The detectives also discovered that Munoz was involved in the RAVE party scene and made connections through the popular website, MySpace.

The Los Angeles City Councilman José Huizar re-approved the $50,000 reward from 2006 and LAPD Hollenbeck detectives have continued to work tirelessly to bring justice to the family of Emmery Munoz.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Hollenbeck Homicide Detective Douglass Kirkland at 323-342-8984.  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.

Superbowl Sunday DUI Prevention- Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk

Los Angeles:  Football is one of America's favorite pastimes, but fans can put themselves in
serious danger if they don't plan ahead.  Whether you're at the game or watching from a sports
bar or a friend's house, designate a sober driver before the game.  And remember, Fans Don't
Let Fans Drive Drunk.

The following are some recommendations of what you can do if you are hosting a Super Bowl
party:

Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers
Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party
     o Give them a great spot to watch the game
     o Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full
     o Let them have the first pass at the buffet table
     o Make sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home
Serve plenty of food
Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water
Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks
Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age
Determine ahead of time when you'll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the end of the party or at the end of the third quarter of the game (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert
Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away
Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired
Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:
Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home if you plan to drink
Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers when you are out at a bar or restaurant
     o Offer to be the designated driver the next time you go out
     o Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas
     o Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full
     o Pick up the tab for their food and drink
Before you go out, add the numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone so if you find yourself in need of a ride, it is just one touch away
Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired. Remember, Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk.
Always buckle up – it's your best defense on the road.

For further information, please contact Detective Bustos at 213-841-9060.

Chief Beck Monthly Media Availability

Click here for podcast

On Thursday, February 3, 2025 - Chief Beck invited the press to the LAPD’s Metropolitan Communications Dispatch Center to discuss various topics. Please click on the link to hear Chief Beck provide current crime statistics, give an update on the LAPD DNA backlog and The Grim Sleeper.  Chief Beck also discusses actress Lindsey Lohan, LAPD officers financial disclosure and the Westlake shooting.

 

Notes from the February 1, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

• Police Commission President John Mack said he attended the funeral services for Captain Bill Eaton and said it was very moving. 

• Police Commission Vice President Alan Skobin also attended the funeral services for Captain Bill Eaton and said there was an amazing turnout.  He added the family was asking people who knew the Captain to submit stories about their time spent together for a book which they are putting together for his children.

• Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended the recruit graduation held at the Elysian Park Police Academy last Friday.  He said it was a wonderful event and appreciated the opportunity to address the class.

• Police Chief Charlie Beck informed the Board he attended the Major Cities Chiefs Conference in Washington D.C. last week and met with United States Attorney General Eric Holder to discuss issues dealing with the City.  He also stated the new Metropolitan Detention Center was set to open later in the evening.  Chief Beck also thanked the Commission, the Department, and the community members who came out to the memorial ceremony for Captain Bill Eaton.

• The Executive Director’s report, dated January 25, 2011, relative to official police garage renewal for United Road Towing, Inc. contract No. C-109461, was approved and transmitted to the City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated January 4, 2011, relative to destruction of obsolete duplicate records, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

• The Department’s report, dated January 26, 2011, relative to destruction of obsolete original records, was approved and transmitted to the City Clerk, Records Management Officer.

• The Department’s report, dated January 24, 2011, relative to monetary rewards – guidelines and criteria for crime reward motions, was approved and transmitted to the City Council, Public Safety Committee.

• The Department’s report, dated January 18, 2011, relative to request for payment of reward offer on City Council file no. 07-0010-S41, was approved and transmitted to the Mayor and City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated January 20, 2011, relative to DNA quarterly report – 4th quarter 2010, as given by Captain Kevin McClure, was approved and transmitted to the City Council. Captain McClure informed the Board the historical DNA backlog is now zero and there are currently 476 pending technical review.

• The Department’s report, dated January 20, 2011, relative to DNA Monthly Report for December 2010, was approved and transmitted to City Council.

• The Department’s report, dated January 14, 2011, relative to Internal Affairs Group’s report on the Constitutional Policing Unit, was continued for one week.

• The Department’s report, dated January 12, 2011, relative to GED/CLEAR Supervisory Oversight Inspection (IAID No. 10-156) was approved. 

• The Department’s report, dated January 11, 2011, relative to crime classification audit (IAID No. 10-136), was approved. 

Million Dollar Promise Nine Victims Identified, Dozens More, Likely

Los Angeles:  One woman is believed to have duped at least nine victims, and potentially dozens of others, out of millions of dollars in a scam that she has been working for at least the past year.

On February 1, 2011, Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Olympic Division Property Crimes Unit arrested 45 year-old, Hyun Mi Kang, also known as “Jennifer Kim,” for multiple counts of Grand Theft.  She is being held on $1 million dollars bail.

Kim purportedly befriended unsuspecting and trusting individuals in the Korean community to gain their trust and confidence.  Once she had done so she would ask them to invest with her in various “business ventures” that involved property, schools and student loans, promising the investor a substantial return for their investment. 

Kim never made good on her promises, and never returned any of the capital she collected.  So far nine victims have come forward with losses totaling in the millions of dollars, but Detectives believe there may be many more who have not yet reported being victimized by Kim.

Detectives are continuing their investigation and will present the case to the District Attorney for filing consideration.

Anyone with information about this case, or anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of Kim, is asked to contact Olympic Area Detectives, Detective Chris Merlo of the Property Crimes Unit at 213-382-9370.  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.

Attempt Murder of Store Owner

Los Angeles:  Two suspects are being sought in the attempt murder of a Los Angeles business owner.

On Monday, January 24, 2011, at about 3:30 p.m., two suspects entered a cell phone business located in the 2800 block of James M. Wood Boulevard. One suspect was armed with a handgun and became involved in a struggle with the victim, during which time the victim was shot multiple times.  The second suspect acted as a lookout.  Both suspects ran from the business and drove off in a tan 4-door car, possibly a Toyota or Honda.

Suspect #1 is a male Hispanic, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 170 pounds, 18-20 years of age, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black shirt, and black pants. Suspect #2 is a male Hispanic, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 180 pounds, 17-20 years of age, wearing a black baseball cap with the letters “LA” on the front, wearing a black shirt and pants.

During the struggle Suspect #1 sustained a serious bite to his right hand that likely caused a deep cut to his fingers and knuckles. He may have sought medical treatment for the injury.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where was treated for his injuries and listed in stable condition.

A motive for this shooting has not been determined.

Anyone with information about this crime or the suspects is asked to contact Olympic Area Gang Detectives, Detective George Lee or George Diego at 213- 382-9430. 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.

LAPD Detectives Investigate Theft of Necklace

Los Angeles:   On January 22, 2011, a one of a kind necklace, valued at 2,500 dollars, was taken from a jewelry store in the Venice area of Los Angeles.

As part of the Grand Theft investigation, Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Area obtained a search warrant on February 1, 2011, for actress Lindsay Lohan's Venice residence, to search for the necklace.

Prior to service of the warrant, the necklace was returned to Pacific Detectives.

The case is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pacific Area Detective Division at 310-482-6313. 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.