DOWNEY — The owner of a nightclub and ranch in El Monte was shot to death early Wednesday during what police believe was a home-invasion robbery at his Downey house, authorities said.
Hermilio Franco, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 2:50 a.m. shooting in the 9300 block of Gainford Avenue, Downey police officials said in a written statement.
He was the CEO of El Farallon Nightclub and Rancho Farallon, 9226 Gilman Road in El Monte, Downey police Detective Sam Gatfield said. The nightclub and rodeo venue also has a Riverside location.
“Officers were dispatched to a possible prowler call with “shots heard” at a residence on Gainford Avenue,” according the the Downey police statement.
“When officers arrived, family members contacted them and said there were intruders inside the residence,” the statement said.
Police found Franco lying on the floor of his home suffering from a fatal gunshot wound, police said.
Another man, a suspect in the deadly home-invasion robbery, was also found inside the home suffering from a gunshot wound, Gatfield said.
“That suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital where he is listed in serious condition and expected to survive,” the police statement said.
A second suspect in the killing was spotted by witnesses fleeing the area on foot and remained at large, authorities added.
He was only described as wearing dark clothing.
Family members of Franco could not be reached for comment Wednesday, and a group of man gathered at El Farallon declined to comment. The El Farallon website listed Franco’s first name as Emilio.
It was not clear Wednesday if anything was stolen form the home during the incident, Gatfield said.
Because the investigation was in its early stages, Gatfield said, police declined to release more details about the crime Wednesday, including the name or any information about the hospitalized suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gatfield at 562-904-2391 or Detective Maria Villegas at 562-904-2324.
Tips can also be left anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477, online at lacrimestoppers.org or via text message by testing the letters “TIPLA” and the information to 274637.