Homicide Report > Alan Mateo, 19
Alan Mateo, 19
Died June 22, 2011 at 4:59 p.m.
Alan Mateo, a 19-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Wednesday, June 22, in the 1500 block of Louella Avenue in Venice, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
According to police and eyewitnesses, a gunman shot Mateo, Salvador Diaz, an 18-year-old Latino, and another person shortly after 4 p.m. at Penmar Park.
Mateo and Diaz died shortly after the shooting. The third victim was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition.
The incident occurred in a grassy area near a recreation center and a baseball diamond, an eyewitness said.
A witness who arrived at the park about the time of the shooting told The Times the attacker jumped into a car, perhaps a silver Volkswagen station wagon, where a driver was waiting and fled.
The shooting prompted officers to lock down the recreation center, where small children were playing, said Lt. Jeff Bert of the Los Angeles Police Department.
The children were later reunited with their parents. Bert said the shooting appeared to be gang-related. Officers found several shell casings in the area.
Six days after the shooting, authorities arrested Michael Mariscal, a reputed gang member, in connection with the killings.
"He is the shooter," said Capt. Jon Peters, commander of the Pacific Division, which patrols the area. "He intended to shoot these individuals.... He is a documented gang member."
Mariscal, a 19-year-old Latino, is being held on no bail at the Men's Central Jail in downtown. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 20 at the LAX Municipal Court.
— Robert J. Lopez and Ricardo Lopez
- Neighborhood: Venice
- Age: 19
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Wednesday
- Agency: LAPD Pacific
- Race/Ethnicity: Latino
- Circumstance: Walk-up
- Crime scene: Public place
Mateo was killed at the same place and on the same day as Salvador Diaz.
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Two reader comments about Alan Mateo
Mariscal's mother claims that her son is innocent and that they have the wrong guy. She says it's the older brother the police are confusing him with. This story differs.
July 6, 2011 at noon
I think they should change the law. Once you are a "documented gang member", you have only 1 more chance. Next conviction, life in prison. Sure, they might do something desperate if they know it's their last chance, but from reading these reports everyday, wouldn't you say it's already desperate?
Enough is enough, get these cowards off the streets for good!
Thank God no innocent children were hurt during this incident.
July 6, 2011 at 2:36 p.m.
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