Suspect in Cardenas Murder has Been Identified

It has been over 6 months since Alexis Cardenas, 20, was killed after being shot on Virginia Avenue of South Gate.  The investigation still ongoing, but detectives involved with the case have told South Gate Patch Latino that a suspect has been singled out.

“We have identified a suspect,” said Detective Dawn Retzlaff of the Homicide Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).  In fact, the suspect is in custody, but on another weapons charge. “No arrests regarding the murder charges have been made.”

After an in depth investigation the LASD has confirmed that the shooting of Cardenas was gang related. Investigators are withholding the identity of the suspect out of a fear of a more fatal conflict between the gangs.

“If we divulge the identity of the suspect then members that are affiliated with the same gang as Alexis Cardenas could potentially retaliate,” said Detective Retzlaff, who said that both gang’s in question were predominantly Latino.

Cardenas died from surgery complications at St. Francis Medical Center in Lywnood after being shot in the chest during the late evening of October 29, 2011. His friends and family still come on weekend's to put flowers and candles on the sidewalk where he was picked up from.

“His friends will come on Saturday’s with candles and flowers,” said Yesenia Ortiz, 34, whose 10140 Virginia Avenue home is directly adjacent to the sidewalk where Cardenas fell. “This doesn’t bother me because they are all very peaceful.”

The homicide of Cardenas did bring some concerns to some neighbors about security. 

“I wanted to move when I heard that they had shot someone nearby,” said Jaime Guzman, 31, who lives a short distance away from the scene, but now feels safe in his neighborhood. ”Thankfully nothing has happened ever since and there are lots of patrol cars.”

Despite the progress that is being made by the investigating officers, more information from witnesses is always appreciated, said Detective Retzlaff.

“People who live within in the area of the murder, should contact us if they have any information,” said Detective Retzlaff. 

Anyone with information should contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted at http://lacrimestoppers.org or by texting the letters TIPLA along with your tip to CRIMES (274637). 

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