Homicide Report > Salvador Diaz, 18
Salvador Diaz, 18
Died June 22, 2011 at 4:20 p.m.
Salvador Diaz, an 18-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 Diaz, Alan Mateo, a 19-year-old Latino and another person shortly after 4 p.m. at Penmar Park.
Diaz and Mateo died shortly after the shooting. The third victim was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition.
The incident erupted in a grassy area near a recreation center and a baseball diamond, an eyewitness said.
A witness who arrived at the park near 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: 18
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Wednesday
- Agency: LAPD Pacific
- Race/Ethnicity: Latino
- Circumstance: Walk-up
- Crime scene: Public place
Diaz was killed at the same place and on the same day as Alan Mateo.
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One reader comment about Salvador Diaz
Sal, you will never be forgotten. I will always remember you as the nice kid in my class with the most beautiful smile and dimples. I am so proud of all your accomplishments. It was privilege to work with you for three years; thank you for always stopping by my classroom just to check in and say hello. You always brought me joy in and out of the classroom. I will think of you every time I attend a baseball game. I was at a game by myself when you taken away from us. Maybe you were with me after all? Your teacher loves you very much. See you in heaven. Que Dios te bendiga.
July 12, 2011 at 2:59 p.m.
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