Homicide Report > Frank Martinez, 27
Frank Martinez, 27
Died March 1, 2012
Frank Martinez, a 27-year-old Latino, was shot and killed by police Thursday, March 1, in the 15500 block of Escalona Road in La Mirada, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Martinez, a documented gang member, was wanted in connection with a double homicide Nov. 30 in East L.A. He had been on the run since the slayings, LAPD Cmdr. Andrew Smith said.
When officers arrived at the La Mirada residence to serve a warrant, Martinez scrambled on to the roof of a nearby home. Three officers and an FBI agent fired after Martinez appeared to reach into his pocket, Smith said. The officers also believed he fired at least one shot.
The accounts that the suspect had armed himself were supported by multiple civilian witnesses interviewed at the scene, Smith said.
Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene as news helicopters showed live video of him lying on the roof, covered by a white sheet. None of the officers were injured in the shooting.
Authorities initially said witnesses, including officers and residents, told them the suspect reached into his pocket and fired what was believed to be a handgun.
But LAPD and FBI officials said their ongoing investigation found no evidence either at the scene or during an L.A. County coroner's examination over the weekend that the suspect had a weapon. Investigators presented their preliminary findings to LAPD's top commanders Tuesday.
In explaining the apparent contradiction between the initial reports and the investigation's latest findings, Smith said the department was trying to give the most immediate and accurate information they had at the time.
"These are very chaotic scenes and the officers all reported they believed they were being fired on," Smith said. "That's why we have our Force Investigation Division, to sort through all the information, evidence and witnesses statements."
Smith said the LAPD wanted to correct the record as quickly as possible given the new facts in the case.
Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) 527-3247 . Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Andrew Blankstein
- Neighborhood: La Mirada
- Age: 27
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Thursday
- Agency: LAPD Force Investigation
- Race/Ethnicity: Latino
- Circumstance: Officer-involved
- Crime scene: Residence
34 reader comments about Frank Martinez
"appeared to reach into his pocket" typical excused utilized by law enforcement after they kill a suspect. Obviously, the suspect was unarmed.
March 9, 2012 at 9:39 a.m.
And obviously he was wanted for killing. No wonder he got killed. long very long police record.
March 9, 2012 at 6:38 p.m.
Martinez died as he lived; in a hail of gunfire. Martinez killed TWO of his friends (Homeboys) shooting them in the face, head and body over 15X each. He threatened to kill any law enforcement officer who came in his path. If Martinez would have escaped from his NEIGHBORS roof, how many others would he have killed?? Great job LAPD/FBI. They saved the tax payers millions of dollars from the no doubt numerous BS appeals.
March 10, 2012 at 10:37 p.m.
Gun or No gun, this guy had to go. He is a two x killer, who told his girlfriend he was going to kill a cop when they catch up to him. This is a text book example of a fleeing felon who under California Law, meets the defination of someone who can litterally be shot armed/unarmed for running away. Great Job LAPD/FBI
March 10, 2012 at 10:43 p.m.
Unfortunately for the deceased, his reputation sealed his fate. Being a known gangster wanted for a double homicide gives any sane person the impression that this type of person is a violent individual who needs to be handled without mercy.
Jesus Rendon and Art Gomez are listed in the interactive database as both being murdered on Nov 30th, in Boyle Heights.
March 11, 2012 at 8:58 a.m.
I don't blame the police He was wanted for a double homicide. He killed twice whats makes you think he wouldn't again
Better safe than sorry
March 11, 2012 at 1:26 p.m.
He was a buster who killed two of his so called homeboys and he got what he deserved there is stil another suspect wanted he goes by trusty another buster and now the family of martinez want to file a law suit yeah right he got what he deserved buster
March 20, 2012 at 11:22 p.m.
By no means am I siding with the suspect here, the issue is once again cops killing an unarmed suspects. syscom3, you are a strong believer of the judicial system what ever happen to due process and not guilty until proven? It's not the cops job to take justice in their own hands and kill suspects.
March 21, 2012 at 12:41 p.m.
Jag, if the suspect surrenders without making a run for it, then that should be the end of it.
But once they're making a run for it, and they are known to be a violent individual who has no problem shooting at people, then whatever happens to them is their own fault. The safety of the public is paramount at that point.
March 21, 2012 at 3:11 p.m.
Unknown, it's up to the People to decide the suspects faith not the cops. The fact that you claimed this suspect has a very long police record makes you come across as a cop.
March 23, 2012 at 10:20 a.m.
We ALL know the truth. There's no covering it up anymore. The other two guys involved weren't angels and weren't innocent either. So before you go trying to point the finger, remember what REALLY happened and stop trying to front.
March 26, 2012 at 7:04 p.m.
What goes around comes back around
March 27, 2012 at 10:23 a.m.
This is the first murder here since the database was established and it so happened to be officer involved. Nonetheless another classic case of KARMA.
March 27, 2012 at 12:47 p.m.
People know the truth. Any negativity that is said about him, is only by people who want to ignore the truth. He killed two of his "homeboys" who were rats, fakes and haters. The only "busters" here were the other two who "got got". Quit pretending and recognize homie.
March 27, 2012 at 11:36 p.m.
Who cares what he did... YOU SWEAR the other TWO were angels!! The truth is out there... It's known.. KARMA!!! RIP Toker!!!
June 4, 2012 at 10:55 a.m.
— DON'T TRIP ..... the law abiding people of this state cares what he did.
June 11, 2012 at 5:44 p.m.
Rest in peace Frankie we love & miss u homie a true G and a friend , STATE UP player ,lighting up nothing but fire big dogg u know how we do it !
v. OG'S STATE ST. LOCOS, CVG'S
TOKER R.I.P , 5ER R.I.P
July 10, 2012 at 12:19 a.m.
Friends and families of the victims of police brutality/ or excessive force; email me at: xblue3yesx@gmail.com Part of a group of families seeking justice for the stolen lives at the hands of law enforcement.
July 10, 2012 at 10:29 a.m.
Most of us citizens know that there are good cops and bad cops out there, just as there are good and bad workers in any other profession. However, it is plainly obvious that in this case the “victim” was none other than the perpetrator who in the end paid with his own blood the blood he spilled from others, regardless of who the others where. If the deceased was cowardly enough to shot to death two of his friends, he could have easily taking the same action against the officers serving the search warrant or to any other person getting on his path. Also, do not disregard the fact that officers had first hand information of who they were dealing with. Officers took the only effective course of action for this particular situation
July 10, 2012 at 10:48 a.m.
The l.a.p.d seem to forget to mention that those fake witnesess where l.a.p.d & f.b.i under cover's. How convinient , I hope they go to jail cause they got a big welcoming party for them ! ; )
July 10, 2012 at 2:07 p.m.
Keeping them honest,
Another wild theroy, which is fine but if you want me to bite at least give me something to bite on to. Just telling me that the witnesses were undercover doesn't do much for your cause.
July 13, 2012 at 12:31 a.m.
Syscom3-
The citizens of the whole country care what the corupted law enforcement did also, this is not the first murder by the hands of murderers of the l.a.p.d ! They(l.a.p.d) are the bigest gang in los angeles ! Check the story out he was unarmed stupid ! When l.a.p.d found out a citizen got everything on video they changed their story ! No video they would of still try to sell us that b.s story ! Syscom ur a sucker !
July 17, 2012 at 9:02 a.m.
Big Toker REST IN PEACE BIG DOGG ! Every day we think of u player & go back to the memories we have of u WE WILL NEVER FORGET ! LOVE & MISS U DEARLY !
Sept. 2, 2012 at 12:07 p.m.
RIP Frank. One year ago all of this drama started and lives began to be taken away. He was still a person a son a brother an uncle still a human that ive known for as long as i can remember. No matter what he did no one should deserves to be killed. None of them did. I love and will always miss you. The thought of you being gone still hasnt set in i still feel like one day your going to call me out of the blue like you always did. years and years of friendship! RIP Frank Tudy Carlos jesse you all are sooo missed and the streets of state have and never ever will be the same.
Sept. 5, 2012 at 1:27 p.m.
I agree with u unknown ! REST IN PEACE ART,GIANCARLO,FRANK,JESUS ! They will be missed dearly...
Sept. 9, 2012 at 7:24 p.m.
Life is better without this criminal running the streets he got his just deserts, you think this coward cared about the 2 people he killed? short answer no, so why would anyone feel bad about this guys death, I'm sure no one is losing sleep over his death.
Sept. 12, 2012 at 9:10 p.m.
@Unknown <3,
He killed two of his friends! What kind of friendship is that?
Sept. 13, 2012 at 1:34 p.m.
Thanks for prooving my point uncle sam !...
The L.A.P.D ARE THE BIGEST TERRORIST IN AMERICA & HIDE BEHIND A BADGE ! Your not fooling anybody your reign of terror will soon come to an end,when u get caught for all the corruption your involed in your going to end up right with the same criminals you put away ! Your not any different than all the other gang members in the world,straight terrorist ! Its a shame that 1 bad cop ruins the progress we(l.a.p.d) have made in the boyle heights community ! The community,programs to help our at risk youth & law enforcement with good cops that have the best interest of the community & l.a.p.d internal affairs doing their job is the key to ending the violence ! Clean out the l.a.p.d of all the corrupt officers now ! Our citizens of boyle heights deserve better !
Sept. 13, 2012 at 3:50 p.m.
Justice For All it's sounds like your defending the lowlife who killed two of his friends and condemning the LAPD. In my book the LAPD did their job they took a dangerous animal of the streets by any means necessary, how does that make the LAPD domestic terrorists, I hope those officers involved in that shooting get a bonus and promotion. Frank Martinez killed two of his friends now imagine what he would do to total strangers if Martinez was still alive think about that. The world is better off without Frank Martinez it sounds cruel but that's how I feel and I'm sure others will agree with me. Great job LAPD you have my full support.
Sept. 14, 2012 at 9:01 a.m.
James - Uncle sam
This young man was defending him self from the other two so called victims ! Get the story straight ! Either the investigators are incopentent or law enforcement are hiding something ! The truth is known ! Defending yourself is no crime ! James-uncle sam your just as lame as those investigators ! Stop your b.s !
Sept. 14, 2012 at 4:11 p.m.
To cut the BS already
Defending him self, yeah right in order for a self defense case to stick that person has to remain at the scene and call 911, but instead he ran why didn't he just give him self up why all drama, I'll tell you why because he was guilty and guilty people run. Also didn't he say he would kill any law enforcement officer if they tried taking him into custody does that sound like a self defense case, but let me guess he was set up by the police right it was a big cover up the police had noting else better to do so they went after him . Self defense why run from East Los Angeles to the city of LA Mirada does that make any sense to anyone? Let's see I shoot two people in self defense and instead of calling 911 and giving my statement, I hop in my car drive away to another city, do you see how stupid that sounds. Sorry your self defense theory won't cut it he was as gulity as they come, tell the family of victims that BS self defense story.
Sept. 15, 2012 at 12:12 p.m.
Looks like the killer went to confront the two victims with four other friends so it's 5 vs 2 that doesn't sound like self defense, Frank the killer Martinez had the upper hand and a gun how is that self defense.
Sept. 16, 2012 at 3:52 p.m.
Its so funny how this report from l.a.p.d has changed about 5 times since it was first posted ! Lol ! Do they (l.a.p.d) actualy think we will buy into their b.s !
Oct. 15, 2012 at 12:59 a.m.
— Justice for all, you will be suprised there are quite a few people in this blog who believe everything the cops say or their report. Ask Syscom3 or Meck and they will give many escuses why the police report statements and report change. Bottom line, their minds are set and no matter what evidence is thrown at them, they can't accept the reality of cops being lyers, crooked and thugs.
Oct. 22, 2012 at 5:08 p.m.
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