Police Arrest Man Suspected of Shooting Transient at Behest of Venice Hotelier

Los Angeles police today announced the arrest of the suspected gunman charged, along with a Venice Beach hotel owner, in a transient’s shooting death during a disturbance.

Francisco Guzman, 28, was arrested about 9:55 a.m. Monday by the FBI- LAPD Fugitive Task Force and jailed in lieu of $3 million bail in connection with the killing of Jascent Warren.

A police statement identifies Guzman as the “suspected shooter” of the 26-year-old victim, who was gunned down shortly after 2 a.m. Aug. 30 near Rose Avenue and Ocean Front Walk. A second person was shot in the leg.

Guzman pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one count each of murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon with two prior convictions.

Co-defendant Sris Sinnathamby, who owns the Cadillac Hotel on Dudley Avenue, is charged with one count each of murder and attempted murder.

Sinnathamby, 54, was arrested Aug. 30 by Los Angeles police and pleaded not guilty Sept. 1. He was released on bond the following day.

Both men are due back in court next Wednesday, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require them to stand trial.

Witnesses told CBS2 that the hotel owner was with the gunman at the time of the shooting. Witnesses also alleged that the shooter was operating under orders from the hotel owner.

Warren was among a large crowd of people in front of the Cadillac Hotel when a fight broke out over who was camping where, witnesses told reporters.

City News Service