Author: Lawrence Wolf

The Ventura County Star website reported in a story on January 20, 2009 that the heads-up action of bystanders thwarted an assault on Leonel Madrigal, 26 of Oxnard. According to witnesses, Filiberto Mata, 19 of Oxnard was intoxicated and got into a fight with Madrigal at about 9:30pm in the 1300 block of Commercial Avenue. It is said that the two men have a long standing feud, which resulted in this Ventura violent crime.

Oxnard police officer Edward reported that Mata pulled out a small gun from his waist and aimed it at Madrigal. It is not clear if the gun failed to work or if Mata was too intoxicated to handle the weapon properly. Nevertheless, he was unable to shoot it and only ejected several bullet rounds from the weapon that landed on the ground.

Madrigal was able to grapple the gun away, at which point Mata pulled out a knife. Madrigal suffered a minor cut to his hand but was able to wrestle the knife away. Once unarmed, bystanders rushed to restrain Mata until police arrived.

The Daily News website reported on January 15, that yet another innocent child, just 4 years old, died on the streets of Los Angeles as a result of gang violence. Roberto Lopez, Jr., 4 was walking with his sister on his way to a community center two houses down from their home when he was struck in the violent crime.

Serafin Gonzalez, the boy’s grandfather, who was inside the house said they were about to call in the kids for dinner when they heard gunshots. Gonzalez said his granddaughter came in crying “They hit Robert! They hit Robert!” Thinking it was a street fight he was not too alarmed. She then cried, “There’s blood in his mouth.” Gonzalez then ran to the boy.

The Daily News website reported on January 20, 2009 that a 33 year old Inglewood police officer was shot while standing next to his car on the 500 block of West Hyde Park Boulevard sometime around midnight. According to the authorities, the gunshots came from a vehicle described as a white Toyota Camry. The unidentified officer returned fire, but it was not known if anyone in the vehicle was struck.

Police Lt. Mike McBride stated that the police officer was in “stable but guarded condition.” It is not entirely clear why the police officer was at that location, but early reports indicate that the officer was there on personal business when the vehicle pulled up and shot him. Police have no motive for the shooting and they are investigating the Los Angeles violent crime. Police urged that anyone with information please call [number type=”1″].

The Ventura County Star website reported on January 20, 2009 that the identity of a man, who was stabbed and later died from those wounds, was 28 year old Alfredo Vargas from Oxnard. According to reports, Vargas was attending a birthday party in the 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue. Vargas was among numerous guests in the apartment courtyard when witness accounts claim that a group described as gang members rushed in and began to shoot and stab people at around 8 pm in this California violent crime.

Upon arrival, police found two people with stab wounds. Police stated that the men also shot at an apartment, but fortunately no one was struck. Police believe the assailants in thisVentura violent crime fled the scene in two vehicles. One vehicle is described as a dark colored pickup truck and the other vehicle is described as a tan or silver compact car.

Los Angeles Times reporter Phil Willon reported on December 12, 2008 that the petition efforts to get what is being called “Jamiels Law” onto the ballot for this coming May’s election has come up drastically short of the required signatures. The measure would change the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Order 40, that forbids officers from beginning any contact with people for the sole reason of finding out if that person is an illegal immigrant. Jamiels Law would allow police to arrest illegal immigrants exclusively because they are in the country illegally.

Jamiel Shaw II was a high school football player when he was shot and killed in March by an illegal immigrant. Althea Shaw, 47, aunt of Jamiel and lead proponent of the ballot measure claimed to have turned in more than 76,000 petition signatures to city election officials before the December 12th deadline. Election officials said they had only tallied 18,559 signatures, while 73,963 are required. “We’re not going to stop,” said Shaw, “We can’t bring my nephew back, so we’re going to keep fighting. We have to.” Next for Shaw will be an attempt to place the measure on the Los Angeles County’s November poll. If that is successful Shaw plans to organize a campaign to add it statewide with a voter proposal in California’s 2010 election. “There’s no one watching the city,” Shaw alleged. “We’re forced to take the word from a city that doesn’t even want to talk about illegal immigration.” Immigrant rights advocates say this law would open the door for police racial profiling and Chief Bratton says the police already report violent gang members to immigration authorities.

The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf are knowledgeable and experienced violent crime lawyers in Los Angeles. In the State of California, all violent crimes are severely punished. In fact, recent U.S. laws have been passed that will increase the mandatory minimum sentences that will apply to people who are convicted of committing certain violent crimes. If you have been arrested for carrying out a violent crime, you may be looking at a prison term of 25 years to life. Please call [number type=”1″] for a free consultation.