Man found dead Sunday near 5th and Rose was the victim of a “three-on-one fight”
By Gary Walker
A 25-year-old man found dead Sunday night in an alley near 5th and Rose avenues in Venice may have been a victim of gang-related violence perpetrated by members of a gang he was also associated with, according to police.
LAPD officers responding to emergency calls found the man at around 7:20 p.m. and firefighter paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, LAPD Pacific Division Capt. James Setzer said. Police have already apprehended one person of interest for questioning, he said.
“The case is leaning toward a murder investigation, as the initial investigation has determined there was a three-on-one fight in the alley. Our victim was overwhelmed by the three suspects,” Setzer said. “All four are members or associates of the same gang. Therefore, we see no general threat within the Venice community.”
Setzer later identified the gang as Venice 13. Contrary to breaking television news reports, he said the homeless encampments emanating from Rose and 3rd were unrelated to the crime.
Operations-West Bureau Homicide detectives and the Pacific Gang Detail are actively working the case. Detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses and possible video evidence of the crime. Police did not find any weapons at the scene and have not released a description of possible suspects.
Sunday’s killing comes about a month after 29-year-old Venice resident Lavell Harris was shot to death less than half a mile away. There have been no arrests in that case, and police are not sure if Harris’ murder was gang-related.
Police are asking anyone with information about the crime to call West Bureau Homicide Detectives at (213) 382-9470 or report information anonymously via (800) 222-TIPS [8477].
This quote really upsets me: “All four are members or associates of the same gang. Therefore, we see no general threat within the Venice community.” The victim was a member of the Venice community. A loving husband and father of two young children and dedicated parent volunteer and booster club board member at our son’s elementary school. Always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile. Our entire school community is in mourning along with his family. His smile could light up a room. May he rest in peace.
He was an amazing human being. We worked together , his good vibes, invigorating smile and a great spirit will be truly missed. God bless the family and friends.
I can’t believe it Pedro you will be miss will miss your smile. Rest In Peace
The police have a full video of what happened, and I agree with the above comment. VS13 has been all but dead in Venice for the last decade. You NEVER had these issues to the north of Indiana. How do I know? I am a 12 year Venice resident, and I spent my summers in Venice for over 18 years.
RIP Pedro. Your smile and generous spirit will be missed at Westminster Elementary.
This quote really upsets me too: “All four are members or associates of the same gang. Therefore, we see no general threat within the Venice community.” So gangs are not a threat. People in gangs that kill are not a threat. Amazing!
I would bet this is related to the Meth Heads that are constantly roaming our streets looking for things to steal . The fact that the police are down playing this sickens me as I’m sure it does the poor mans family. It’s so obvious that the lawless behavior that Mike Bonin had created in Venice, by instructing the police to not enforce the law is cultivating criminals to act with no fear of enforcement. Bonin continues to test the patience of the residence of Venice and it’s gonna end up blowing up in his face.
The guy with the biggest heart, the one that stood out with him humbleness & genuine smile. We have lots a real one. These selfless cowards took him from our community. Three men, whom I’m sure have children as he did. Unfortunately karma will return to them. Damn shame.
He will missed beyond words at Westminster Elem. we lost a true gem. RIP
Such a beautiful man who radiated goodness, I’m still in disbelief. Without hyperbole, Pedro Ruiz set an example of how to interact with and how to connect with others in joy. I already miss seeing his smile so much and we hope to cover his family in love and prayer.
He was an adulterer that used his connection to the schools to sleep with moms at the school.
He was an amazing human being a VERY HARD worker who was just promoted. I loved working with him he always put a smile on my face he left this world way to early he didn’t deserve any of this. His energy was always positive may you Rest In Peace Pedro I will never forget you and miss being your co worker.