Arrest made in gang-related killing in Granada Hills
Police made an arrest in a gang murder case.
GRANADA HILLS - A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with a gang-related shooting that left a 31-year-old man dead and wounded another man this summer, police said.Santos Anthony Topete, unemployed from Sylmar, was arrested Tuesday at his home in connection with the July 1 killing of Eric Perez, a suspected member of the San Fer gang, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The shooting occurred at 12:30 a.m. as two men were leaving a party in the 16000 block of Los Alimos Street in Granada Hills, police said. The suspect fired multiple rounds striking each victim numerous times. Both victims were transported to a local hospital in separate, private vehicles.
Perez, of Arleta, died shortly after his arrival at the hospital. The second victim, an unidentified 25-year-old resident of Sylmar, was treated for his injuries and later released.
Mission gang unit officersLAPD homicide Detective Terence Keyzer said Perez was a member ofthe San Fer ganga Pacoima gang.Topete was in jail awaiting a court hearing.
Goes to show how far off some of these cops are when it comes to solving crimes. "Our tax dollars at work" I guess!!
Mr. Perez (RIP) grew up on the streets of Pacoima, attended Pacoima Jr High School and at an early age hung out with members of Pacoima gangs yet they say he was a suspected member of the san fers gang (san fers....lol) Get a clue detectives..PLEASEEEEEEE!
elmerfud,
Thanks for writing into the blog. I'm sorry for your loss. Sounds like you knew Mr. Perez pretty well. When you get a minute, please feel free to call me at (818) 713-3635 and let's talk about doing a little tribute story to him.
Thanks,
Jason Kandel
We were just a couple of kids growing up in the same area of the valley at the same time I guess. It was a shock when I heard he passed. He was never part of my immediate circle of friends but if you know how these streets works, sometimes a face is better remembered than a name. Curious...How did you know him Jason?
I didn't know him. I'm a reporter covering crime for Daily News and posted this blog entry about the arrest of his suspected killer.
When I read that a 31 yr old man from Arleta was killed, I was positive that I would end up knowing this person. You see, this is where I live and he and I are almost the same age. I saw his face in the obituaries....thats when I had that "DAMN....I knew him" feeling. His life was taken by a young kid probably showing off for friends....trying to prove to them that "he's down". Mr. Perez was already past all that young-minded stuff that all us Hispanic males go through out here. I sometimes find myself talking to kids on how certain actions towards people can only result in certain reactions from them. Some get it...but most don't. I can't blame them....I was the same back then. But with age comes knowledge! I'm lucky to be where I am now in life based on where I came from and who I hung out with. Years in jail, getting shot and having kids will make you grow up real fast! Let me know if you'd still like to talk.
Sounds like you've got a fascinating story. I'd be obliged to hear from you when you get time. Feel free to give me a call anytime, (818) 713-3635.
BIG DUMMIES
THAT INFO OF HIM BEING A SAN FER DID NOT COME FROM THE DETECTIVES HANDLING. DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ.
If you get a chance to read the story written about Kevin Lopez on 1/16/08, please read it. He was my nephew. I hope we are able to have some closure too. Regardless of someone's ties to a gang, a loss of a life is one too many. It does not stop there. The ripple effect affects many lives besides the victim's life. Our life will never be the same. It was changed in an instant when my nephew was killed. My condolences to the Perez family.
I'm sorry for your loss Mr. Avila. I didn't know Kevin but from what I read, he seemed like a good kid. I hope they're able to make some kind of progress in catching his killer(s). I know it wont bring Kevin back but maybe it'll ease your pain a little.
ok now..... lets not forget that before being a gang member. My friend Eric O. Perez,,, was a son, a brother,a great friend,,But most important of all he was a great father 3 boys and a girl,,, his oldest 15 yrs old and his lil' girl 4 yrs old ...i met my friend when we were about 12 years old in middle school. he became a father at a very early age he he was such a great person it's hard to understand why some one would do this not only did this kid' ruin my friends families life but also his own because i'm sure his family is hurtingmy frienf passed 7/1/07 out of pain and sorrow his mother too passed away 7/1/08.........
why?