Murder Investigation & Arrest

News Release

Incident: Murder Investigation & Arrest (Update Case #11-6174)

Date and Time of Release: December 21, 2011, 11:00 a.m.

Arcadia Police Officers were called to the food court area of a local strip mall regarding a person having been stabbed, shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday night, December 20, 2011. The strip mall is located in the 1300 block of South Golden West Avenue. Officers found an 18-year-old male victim inside the food court, suffering from a stab wound to the upper torso. Arcadia Fire Department Paramedics treated the victim at the scene and transported him to Huntington Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to the injury. In respect for the family and pending all notifications, the name of the victim is not being released at this time.

Preliminary investigation found the victim had been parked to the rear of the location, waiting for an acquaintance working at the food court. Two males, who work at a different restaurant inside the food court, walked out the rear of the location and at some point became involved in a verbal altercation with the victim and another male. The argument ceased when one of the two males from inside pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim. The victim ran toward the food court and collapsed inside. The two suspects made their way back into the closed restaurant, away from the victim’s friends. Officers arrived on scene shortly thereafter, detained all parties, and rendered aid to the victim.

Witnesses identified the two male suspects involved and they were ultimately arrested at the scene. A knife, believed to be the weapon used, was found inside The Money Pot Restaurant where the suspects are employed. The restaurant and food court were closed at the time of the incident.

Arrested and booked on murder charges at the Arcadia City Jail were Juan Lorenzo, age 31, and Jose Antonio Cruz Ramirez, age 26, both from San Gabriel. Their bail is set at $1,000,000.00.

The investigation is continuing by Arcadia Police Department Detectives. Anyone with information is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5150. You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: Tom Le Veque, Lieutenant