Los Angeles County coroner's officials routinely provide The Times with a weekly list of deaths initially considered to be homicides.
Reporters follow up with the department to obtain additional information about each case and, in some cases, learn that the victim's cause of death has been deferred. This means the final determination on the mode of death is postponed pending additional laboratory tests. The death can later be ruled natural, a homicide, a suicide or an accident. The results usually are available within six to eight weeks.
The Homicide Report has followed up with the coroner's office on some of the deferred cases. Here are the findings in several cases from 2010, 2011 and 2012:
Joe Ward, a 67-year-old black man, died Dec. 22, 2010, after he was found in his home in Lynwood. Ward had signs of decubitus, or bed sores, all over his body, according to preliminary coroner's records. Officials said he was taken to St. Francis Medical Center, where he died. A cause of death was later listed as undetermined. The decedent had several contributing factors to his death, including pneumonia with sepsis and dehydration, officials said. Additionally, Ward suffered from coronary heart disease and dementia, they said.
Ralph Jimenez, a 65-year-old man, was found dead Friday, July 29, 2011, in Cypress Park. Firefighters responded to a report of a fire in an alley and discovered Jimenez's burning body. According to coroner's officials, Jimenez's death was listed as undetermined. However ...
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Updated: Jan. 24, 2013 at 11:33 a.m.
As many regular readers have noticed, the Homicide Report has not been updated since Dec. 9, 2012.
The Times relies on Los Angeles County coroner's officials to provide a list each week of deaths determined to be homicides. Typically, coroner's officials are able to produce the list on Monday mornings; however, conflicts have caused delays for several weeks.
Coroner's officials said Friday they hope to be able to make the information available to the public as soon as possible.
In the meantime, updates about crime are available at "Crime and courts" and "Homicide Report" feeds.
Thank you for your patience.
— Los Angeles Times
Follow the Homicide Report on Twitter @latimeshomicide.
Updated: Jan. 16, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.
Died Dec. 31, 2012
John Lee, a 33-year-old Asian man, died Monday, Dec. 31, a day after he was shot in the 4200 block of Russell Street in Los Feliz, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Los Angeles police are asking for help solving the killingz.
Officers responding to a call of shots fired found Lee lying next to his black Audi at 9:18 p.m. Sunday on Russell Avenue, east of Talmadge Street.
He had been shot four times in the chest. Lee died the next day.
The Audi belongs to Lee's father, but investigators know little about the dead man, Det. Arthur Castro said. The motive is unknown.
Anyone with information about the slaying can call Castro or Det. Jose Carrillo during business hours at (323) 344-5744 or the Northeast watch commander at (323) 344-5701. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Jeff Gottlieb
More in: Los Feliz, 33, Male, Gunshot, Monday, LAPD Northeast, Asian
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Updated: Jan. 24, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.
Died Dec. 31, 2012
Jose Velasquez, a 36-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Monday, Dec. 31, in the 20700 block of Alburtis Avenue in Lakewood, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
The shooting occurred about 11:20 p.m. at a New Year's Eve party at a home, sheriff's deputies said.
"Words were exchanged and an argument ensued when gunfire suddenly erupted,'' according to a Sheriff's Department statement.
Velasquez was struck in the upper body. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The five additional victims, a woman and four men in the driveway, suffered minor, non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
The male gunman fled on foot.
Anyone with information about this attack is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Garrett Therolf
More in: Lakewood, 36, Male, Gunshot, Monday, LASD Homicide, Latino
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Updated: Jan. 24, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.
Died Dec. 31, 2012
Guillermo Diaz, a 38-year-old Latino, was found dead Monday, Dec. 31, in the 9400 block of John Street in Santa Fe Springs, according to the Whittier Police Department.
[Editor's note: An earlier version of this post, based on information from the coroner's office, described the victim as an unidentified person.]
Prosecutors allege Juan Manuel Ramirez , a 35-year-old Latino, fatally shot Diaz Dec. 23 and then hid the body in concrete inside a Santa Fe Springs business. The body was discovered inside the heating and air conditioning store on Dec. 31 after Whittier police, who patrol Santa Fe Springs, received a tip about a possible killing.
Ramirez, also known as Juan Alberto Galviz, was charged with murder, along with a special allegation that he fired a shotgun, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said.
Detectives told The Times a preliminary investigation indicated the crime had resulted from "a feud" between the victim and Ramirez. Officials did not reveal more information or the nature of the relationship between the two men.
If convicted, Galviz could receive a sentence of up to life in prison.
Anyone with more information about the killing is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
—Kate Mather and Richard Winton
More in: Santa Fe Springs, 38, Male, Gunshot, Monday, Whittier PD, Latino, Fight, Commercial building
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Updated: Jan. 25, 2013 at 11:38 a.m.
Died Dec. 30, 2012
Alejandro Flores, a 19-year-old Latino, was fatally stabbed Sunday, Dec. 30, in the 800 block of Harding Street in San Fernando, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
The incident occurred about 5:50 a.m., said Sgt. Rich Pena of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is assisting San Fernando police in the homicide investigation.
Officials said Flores was stabbed and then run over. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
No arrests have been made and no motive established in the slaying, Pena said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Carlos Lozano
More in: San Fernando, 19, Male, Stabbing, Sunday, LASD Homicide, Latino
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Updated: Jan. 22, 2013 at 11:50 p.m.
Died Dec. 30, 2012
James Nabors, a 22-year-old black man, was shot and killed Sunday, Dec. 30, in the 37800 block of Silk Tree Lane in Palmdale, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Nabors was found shot and unresponsive in the street about 2:19 a.m., said Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office.
The victim was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:12 a.m.
No other details were immediately available about the killing.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Los Angeles Times
More in: Palmdale, 22, Male, Gunshot, Sunday, LASD Homicide, Black
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Updated: Jan. 25, 2013 at 11:39 a.m.
Died Dec. 30, 2012
Dennis Cubas-Lopez, a 24-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Sunday, Dec. 30, near 18th and Toberman Streets in Pico-Union, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said Cubas-Lopez was playing catch in the park with his nephew about 4:05 p.m. when he was approached by a gang member.
The gang member asked him, "Where are you from?" and the two exchanged words, Winter said.
At that point, Cubas-Lopez was shot. Paramedics were called and the victim was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) 275-5273. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Los Angeles Times
More in: Pico-Union, 24, Male, Gunshot, Sunday, LAPD Rampart, Latino
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Updated: Jan. 25, 2013 at 11:39 a.m.
Died Dec. 28, 2012
John Woods, a 50-year-old black man, was shot and killed Friday, Dec. 28, in the 3600 block of 126th Street in Hawthorne, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
A gunman at a house party opened fire, killing Woods and injuring three others, authorities said.
Police stopped a vehicle that sped away from the residence at 135th Street and Cerise Avenue and found Woods with a gunshot wound inside, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
Woods was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Three other victims, some of the roughly 40 people who gathered for the party, were hospitalized with gunshot wounds that authorities described as non-life-threatening.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Marisa Gerber
More in: Hawthorne, 50, Male, Other, Friday, Hawthorne PD, Black
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Updated: Jan. 24, 2013 at 8:31 a.m.
Died Dec. 25, 2012
Favian Macias, a 22-year-old Latino, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, near East Olympic Boulevard and South Dittman Avenue in East Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Police believe Macias was shot as he was driving on South Hicks Avenue near Los Angeles Community Hospital.
The shooting occurred about 2 a.m. After he was shot, Macias crashed into a lamppost.
He was shot multiple times and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. His girlfriend was in the car with him and was uninjured.
Macias' girlfriend, who declined to give her name, told KTLA-TV (Channel 5) that they were looking for a parking space when he was shot. When she asked if he was OK, Macias said he was fine; then the car smashed into the lamppost.
“I have no idea, I wish I knew,” she said when asked about a possible motive. “It breaks my heart knowing, you know? And on Christmas Day?”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Adolfo Flores and Ari Bloomekatz
More in: East Los Angeles, 22, Male, Gunshot, Tuesday, LASD Homicide, Latino
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Updated: Jan. 22, 2013 at 11:49 p.m.
Died Dec. 25, 2012
Victor McClinton, a 49-year-old black man, was fatally shot Tuesday, Dec. 25, in the 1900 block of Newport Avenue in Pasadena, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
McClinton, was struck by stray bullets Christmas morning as he walked a fellow coach to his car outside his home, Pasadena police said.
A gang member suspected of shooting McClinton, a well-known director of a Pasadena youth sports program, was charged with murder Jan. 2.
Larry Darnell Bishop, a 20-year-old black man, faces one count of attempted murder, two counts of shooting at an occupied home and possession of a firearm by a felon, and an enhancement for personal discharge of a handgun, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said in a statement.
Prosecutors have yet to decide whether to seek the death penalty for Bishop, who has two prior felony convictions for commercial burglaries in San Bernardino County.
Authorities believe the intended target of the bullets was a gang member, Damion Taylor, 24, who was struck and wounded by gunfire. He crashed his car into a light pole after being hit.
McClinton an 18-year law enforcement technician who served as volunteer director of Brotherhood Community Youth Sports League, was a well-liked figure in Pasadena and foothill communities. Hundreds attended a peace rally for McClinton on the steps of City Hall.
Prosecutors are also alleging special circumstances on the murder charge, including discharging a firearm from a vehicle and killing to further gang activity. Gary Aurthur Davis, a 20-year-old ...
More in: Pasadena, 49, Male, Gunshot, Tuesday, Pasadena PD, Black
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Updated: Jan. 22, 2013 at 11:53 p.m.
Died Dec. 24, 2012
Jason Vega, a 35-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Monday, Dec. 24, in the 5300 block of Valley Boulevard in El Sereno, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Vega was inside a business about 5 p.m. when he got into a fight with another person, said Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office.
During the fight, Vega was shot, Winter said. Authorities were called and the victim was pronounced dead at 5:20 p.m.
No other details were available about the case.
Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) 275-5273. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Los Angeles Times
More in: El Sereno, 35, Male, Gunshot, Monday, LAPD Hollenbeck, Latino
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Updated: Jan. 25, 2013 at 11:39 a.m.
Died Dec. 24, 2012
Jimmie Brown Jr., a 40-year-old black man, fatally shot Monday, Dec. 24, in the 1400 block of East Turmont Street in Carson, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said Brown was at his girlfriend's grandmother's home when he went to the porch to have a cigarette about 8:18 p.m.
During that time, people in the area heard gunshots and called 911. It wasn't until thirty minutes later that Brown's girlfriend discovered him down, shot and unresponsive.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the shooter is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Los Angeles Times
More in: Carson, 40, Male, Gunshot, Monday, LASD Homicide, Black
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Updated: Jan. 25, 2013 at 11:39 a.m.
Died Dec. 23, 2012
Joel Garcia Jr., a 32-year-old Latino, was stabbed to death Sunday, Dec. 23, in the 14500 block of McNab Avenue in Bellflower, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
The incident was reported about 12:30 a.m., said Sgt. Edmundo Hummel of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
No arrests have been made in the case, and the investigation is ongoing, Hummel said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Carlos Lozano
More in: Bellflower, 32, Male, Stabbing, Sunday, LASD Homicide, Latino
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Updated: Jan. 24, 2013 at 8:31 a.m.
Died Dec. 23, 2012
Joshua Shoop, a 35-year-old white man, was fatally shot by law enforcement Sunday, Dec. 23, in the 7700 block of Norwalk Boulevard in West Whittier-Los Nietos, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Whittier police officers were attempting to stop a stolen car near Norwalk and Washington boulevards in west Whittier when police were shot at about 12:30 a.m. and then fled, authorities said. Sheriff's deputies joined in the search for the suspects.
The search ended in a stand-off with two suspects barricaded in a garage. Nearby homes were evacuated.
At least one shot was fired out of the garage at sheriff's deputies, according to a sheriff's statement.
A woman came out of the garage about 4:30 a.m. and surrendered, while her male companion, later identified as Joshua Shoop, remained inside, authorities said.
Shoop, who was armed, emerged from the garage about 6:50 a.m., and deputies fired at him, according to sheriff's officials.
The deputy-involved shooting will be investigated by the Los Angeles County district attorney's office and the Los Angeles County coroner, as well as the sheriff's homicide bureau and internal affairs bureau.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Abby Sewell
More in: West Whittier-Los Nietos, 35, Male, Gunshot, Sunday, LASD Homicide, White
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Updated: Jan. 24, 2013 at 8:31 a.m.