Inside LADA

February 28, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Exonerations of Two Men Wrongfully Convicted of Murder in Los Angeles

 

Exoneration News Conference

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the exonerations and release of Jofama Coleman and Abel Soto, each of whom spent two decades in prison for a murder they did not commit in May 2003.

“Jofama Coleman and Abel Soto were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a murder they did not commit,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our hearts also go out to Jose Robles’ family, who have suffered immeasurably through this tragedy and injustice. To everyone impacted, we offer not just words of regret, but a solemn promise of our unwavering pursuit of truth and justice. This ordeal underscores my office’s relentless dedication, through our Conviction Integrity and Habeas units, to righting the wrongs of the past. Together, we forge ahead in our quest for justice, acknowledging the pain endured but steadfast in our resolve.”

Ellen Eggers, an attorney for Mr. Coleman and Mr. Soto, said, “Jofama Coleman and Abel Soto are my heroes, never faltering in their quest for justice. Jofama transformed his cell into a classroom to master the law itself. Their indomitable spirit, coupled with Jessica Jacobs’ essential support, unraveled the truth that set them free. I’m grateful to Head Deputy Juan Mejia, Supervising DA Amy Wilton, and the extraordinary DDA Lara Bazan, whose diligent and insightful efforts paved the way for swift justice. Finally, I am deeply grateful to District Attorney George Gascón for righting this profound wrong. Today is a testament to the power of unwavering resolve and the relentless pursuit of justice.”

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February 15, 2024: District Attorney George Gascón Announces Charges in Murderous Crime Spree That Killed Four in Southeast Los Angeles

 

District Attorney George Gascón Announces Charges in Murderous Crime Spree That Killed Four in Southeast Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Gary Garcia Jr. and Timberland McKneely have been charged with murdering four people, three men and a child, and attempting to murder two others, including a child, between February 11 and 12 in the cities of Bell, Cudahy, Huntington Park, and unincorporated Los Angeles.

“In the face of this devastating crime spree that claimed the lives of four innocent people, including a child, my heart aches for the victims and their grieving families,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Multiple communities have been terrorized by these men’s callous, cruel, and cold-hearted actions. This senseless violence will not go unanswered by the scales of justice. Our Major Crimes Division is working tirelessly to hold these two men accountable and to bring justice to the victims and their families.”

“I applaud the District Attorney for taking swift and decisive action in filing murder charges against these two gang members responsible for the heinous murders of four innocent people including a teenager,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District. “Families across Southeast Los Angeles are grieving, and communities are still shaken by the terror created by this senseless rampage. Nothing we can do will make these families whole again, but these men must be held accountable for the pain they caused and the lives they stole.”

“Homicide detectives and multiple Department resources worked around the clock to identify and arrest the suspects who were threatening the safety of our communities and involved in these senseless murders,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Captain Andy Meyer. “We hope that bringing these individuals to justice will provide some comfort to the families who have lost loved ones and it also sends a clear message that if you commit a crime regardless of law-enforcement jurisdiction, you will be caught and held accountable.”

“These senseless acts of violence are unfortunate and send shockwaves throughout our communities,” said Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano. “We will continue to work in partnership with the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office to prosecute those responsible, bring justice to the families who have suffered tremendous loss, and to restore peace and confidence in our community. The victims and families affected by this terrible tragedy deserve our relentless support, so that we can ensure that the power of the justice system will ensure these criminals spend the rest of their life in prison”.

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February 1, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Nearly 200 Cases Filed to Combat Organized Retail Theft in Los Angeles County

 

District Attorney Gascón Announces Nearly 200 Cases Filed to Combat Organized Retail Theft in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that nearly 200 organized retail theft cases involving adult and juvenile defendants have been filed by the office.

These cases were filed through the efforts of the regional organized retail task forces which is comprised of regional law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office partnering together to prosecute these crimes.

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime, it harms our community’s sense of security while shopping at these retailers, and the ability for local businesses to succeed,” District Attorney Gascón said. “When we saw a rise in organized retail theft crimes, I committed to holding these individuals accountable. Through my partnership with the Organized Retail Theft Task Force, we have been able to track down many of the offenders and bring them to justice.

We want businesses to succeed and for Angelenos to feel safe while they’re out in public. Filing these cases is just the beginning of my office’s work toward deterring these types of crimes in order to make Los Angeles County a safer place.”

“Organized retail theft stole the feeling of safety and security from Angelino’s and business owners alike last year,” said LAPD Chief Michel Moore. “This regional organized retail theft task force has restored much of this, although, there is work still to be done.  I am proud of the hard work and dedication to public safety of those not only from the Los Angeles Police Department, but our partnering agencies as well. As public servants, we cannot work in silos; we cannot work alone. Public safety belongs to all of us.”

“The Sheriff’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force in collaboration with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and our partner law enforcement agencies are continuing to work tirelessly to tackle these brazen smash-and-grabs that are having a significant impact on our business communities,” said LASD Major Crimes Bureau Acting Captain Rob Peacock. “Since inception of our task force, we have arrested 438 suspects related to retail theft and 309 cases have been successfully filed. We are not only focused on the individuals responsible for the thefts, but those that are in the criminal chain—the getaway drivers, those that harbor them, and those that sell the stolen merchandise. These individuals need to understand that there will be consequences—we will use all our resources to identify, pursue, and arrest these suspects.” 

“WSS acknowledges and supports the vital efforts of the Organized Retail Theft Task Force and the District Attorney’s Office in combating organized retail theft, which detrimentally affects neighborhood security and local businesses. We remain committed to collaborating with law enforcement to deter and prosecute these crimes,” Blanca Gonzalez, senior vice president and general manager, Warehouse Shoe Sale.

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January 12, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Conviction of Sheriff’s Deputy in Fatal On-Duty Shooting

 

DA Gascon Announces Conviction of Sheriff's Deputy in Fatal Shooting

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that a former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was convicted in the 2019 on-duty fatal shooting of an unarmed man, Ryan Twyman, in his vehicle in the city of Willowbrook.

“Today, justice has been served for Mr. Twyman’s family who have spent years mourning the loss of their loved one,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This verdict reflects my office’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their profession, is held accountable for their actions.

I would like to commend the dedicated efforts of my office’s Justice System Integrity Division who worked tirelessly to prosecute this case. This conviction sends a strong message that no one is above the law. Our aim is not to undermine the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who serve our communities. However, accountability is paramount to maintaining public trust and ensuring that the principles of justice are upheld.”

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January 9, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges in Sexual Assault Cases in Culver City and Long Beach

 

DA Gascon Announces Charges in Sexual Assault Cases

Today Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, alongside Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims and Long Beach Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Don Mauk, announced felony charges in two separate cases.

In the first case, out of Culver City, Marcos Maldonado was charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in her Culver City home. In the second case, out of Long Beach, Martin Lopez was charged with impersonating a police officer and sexually assaulting and attempting to kidnap a woman.

“These two cases demonstrate how partnerships between my office and our local law enforcement agencies can result in getting dangerous individuals off the street,” District Attorney Gascón said. “I am committed to prosecuting cases involving sexual violence, especially when they target some of our most vulnerable community members, including children. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this unimaginably difficult time.

My office’s Bureau of Victim Services is readily available to provide trauma-informed support and services to the victims and their families. I also have full confidence in my office’s Sex Crimes Division that they will spare no effort in ensuring the individuals responsible are held accountable for these appalling crimes.”

“From the day this disturbing and tragic crime occurred, Culver City Police Department Investigators have worked tirelessly to solve this case,” City of Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims said. “I want to thank all our partners who worked alongside our detectives to ensure this suspect was identified and located as quickly as possible. Thank you to the LA Impact Task Force, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab, the UCLA Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for your partnership. I also want to thank the Culver City community, particularly the Blair Hills neighborhood for the continued support of the dedicated men and women of the Culver City Police Department who have worked diligently to seek justice for the victim in this case. We will continue to work in close collaboration with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office through the successful prosecution of this suspect.”

“Our personnel work tirelessly to keep Long Beach safe and to hold suspects responsible for crime committed in our city,” said Long Beach Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “This arrest is a testament to our commitment to bringing justice to victims and getting dangerous suspects out of our community. We urge anyone who may have also been a victim of this suspect to please come forward and we stand ready to assist the District Attorney in the prosecution of this case.” 

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December 13, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Exonerations of Two Men Wrongfully Convicted of Murder in Two Separate Cases

 

Exoneration News Conference

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the exonerations and release of Giovanni Hernandez and Miguel Solorio, each who collectively spent decades in prison for murders they did not commit as teenagers.

“It’s truly devastating when people are wrongfully convicted, especially when they were so young at the time of their arrest. In the case of Mr. Solorio, he was 19 years old. Mr. Hernandez was just 14 years old.” District Attorney Gascón said. “These cases not only highlight the tragic impact on the lives of those directly affected but also underline the impact to the family and friends left behind. I am committed to ensuring that lessons are learned from this grave error, and that steps are taken to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future."

Sarah Pace, an attorney for Northern California Innocence Project on Solorio’s case, said, “Miguel's 25 years of wrongful incarceration shows how important it is for law enforcement to follow all leads and avoid tunnel vision, to present witnesses with a particular suspect only one time, and to recognize that, according to the new scientific consensus, when witnesses don't identify the suspect, it points to their innocence.”

Marisa Harris, an attorney for the Juvenile Innocence and Fair Sentencing Clinic at Loyola Law School in Hernandez’s case, said, “Gio was only 14 years old when he was sentenced to die in prison for a crime he did not commit. Like so many young people serving long, adult sentences in California’s prisons, Gio was given no hope for a future outside of prison walls. However, despite this grave injustice, Gio found his way to the light.”

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December 12, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges Against Two Men in Two Anti-Semitic Vandalism and Assault Cases

 

News Conference

Yesterday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Klinton Dion is charged with Anti-Semitic vandalisms on public and private property, including Temple Emanu El, in Burbank and Glendale.

“The escalating wave of anti-Semitic attacks against the Jewish community will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County," asserted District Attorney Gascón. “We have a zero tolerance for such behavior and our Hate Crimes Unit will work diligently to continue prosecuting such crimes.”

He also announced that Jarris Silagi has been charged with violently attacking a Jewish couple as they were on their way to celebrate Shabbat at their synagogue in Beverly Hills.

“I unequivocally condemn the violent attack inflicted upon those peacefully observing their faith.” District Attorney Gascón said. “Such acts of Antisemitism have no place in our community, and we continue to be committed to ensuring justice prevails and holding the defendant accountable. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those who continue to be targeted for their faith. My office’s Hate Crimes Unit will work diligently to bring justice to the victims.”

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November 20, 2023: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges Against Man For Pointing Rifle at School Administrator in West Hollywood

 

DA Gascon Announces Charges Against Man in West Hollywood

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that Vahe Armen is charged with pointing a weapon at a school administrator while students and parents were present during morning school drop-off at Larchmont Charter Elementary School in West Hollywood.

“In an era plagued by an epidemic of mass shootings at schools across our nation, every parent in America faces an unimaginable fear when they send their children to school. It is an unfair burden that no parent should bear.” District Attorney George Gascón said. “We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our community, particularly our children. They deserve nothing less than a nurturing environment free from the threat of violence.”

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