Fugitive murder suspect fatally shot by police in Montebello


MONTEBELLO >> A fugitive suspected of killing his estranged wife died in a gunfight with police Friday afternoon.
Detectives recovered a gun believed used by the suspect.
Montebello police said no officers were injured in the shooting that took place in the 2900 block of West Via Corona, just west of Garfield Avenue, at 2:23 p.m.
• Video: Police describe the shooting
Montebello police and an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives went searching for 26-year-old Christopher Diaz based on information that he was in an apartment, according to Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau Lt. Derrick Alfred. Officers saw Diaz leave the apartment and get into a silver compact sport utility vehicle driven by someone else, he said.
The officers followed the SUV and tried to pull it over in the parking lot of the Super A Foods store at 2924 W. Beverly Blvd. in Montebello.
Alfred said Diaz got out of the SUV and ran, followed by two Montebello officers and the ATF agent.
The driver fled the scene.
Alfred said Diaz ran down West Via Corona, darted between two houses and tried to jump over a fence. Diaz allegedly pulled a gun.
“The suspect turned around, pointed a gun and fired at least one shot,” Alfred said.
It wasn’t clear if one officer or all three returned fire.
Diaz was hit once in the torso and died at the scene.
Diaz is the prime suspect in the Aug. 6 fatal shooting of Roxann Acosta, 28, of Alhambra in the 1200 block of West Victoria Ave. in Montebello.
Montebello police said the two argued while at the apartment of Diaz’s mother that night. Witnesses told police Diaz shot Acosta then left the apartment.
Acosta died at the scene.
Donna Arambula, who is Acosta’s aunt, found out about Friday’s officer-involved shooting.
“I don’t wish nobody death. I’m glad this animal was finally off the street,” Arambula said in an email to this publication.
“My family knew that he was going to go out shooting and get killed. I believe he took the easy way out. But I have relief in my heart. It won’t bring my Roxann back, but justice was served, and I would like to thank Montebello police.”
Detectives want to talk to the woman who gave Diaz a ride Friday. She is not deemed a suspect, Alfred said.
Sheriff’s homicide detectives are investigating the officer-involved shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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