Erwin Velasquez, 18 [Updated]

Died Nov. 17, 2010

Erwin Velasquez, an 18-year-old Latino, was stabbed to death Wednesday, Nov. 17, in the 38500 block of Larkin Avenue in Palmdale, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Sheriff's deputies received a 911 call regarding an "assault in progress" about 8:15 p.m., according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department news release.

When deputies arrived, officials said, they found Velasquez suffering from several stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.

According to coroner's records, Velasquez suffered sharp-force trauma to the chest and had abrasions to his head and face.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

[Updated Dec. 21: Gang deputies and members of the sheriff's SWAT team arrested Andrew Sabo, 20, whom they described as a known gang member, and a 16-year-old boy in connection with Velasquez's death.

The two were arrested on the morning of Dec. 16 after officials served search warrants in Palmdale, said Sgt. Harry Drucker of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

They were being held without bail. Sabo had been arrested previously in a 2009 gang sweep in the Antelope Valley.]

[Updated at 12:52 p.m., Feb. 21, 2011: A third alleged assailant has been arrested in connection with Velasquez's death, sheriff's officials said in a news release.

Richard Abelar, a 24-year-old Latino, was arrested on a parole violation less than six weeks after Velasquez was killed. On Feb. 17, he was charged with a count of murder.

Abelar is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Men's Central Jail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on March 2 at the Antelope Valley Municipal Court.]

— Sarah Ardalani and Richard Winton