Murder Suspects In Custody

UPDATE,December 10, 2009

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Date: December 10, 2009
Contact: Asst. Press Information Officer Mike Dekowski
Subject: Murder Suspects In Custody

Santa Fe Springs, CA – On December 8, 2009 at approximately 12:20am a homicide occurred in a desolate area of railroad tracks west of the 8900 block of Dice Road in Santa Fe Springs, a location on the border with the County area of Whittier. Following the homicide, Whittier Police investigators assigned to Santa Fe Springs and Whittier began a relentless investigation into this incident. Within hours of the homicide, investigators were able to identify two suspects and an intense manhunt ensued.

Within 36 hours of the homicide, numerous interviews, evidence collection, and surveillance operations enabled Whittier Police investigators to take both murder suspects into custody. On December 9, 2009 at approximately 3pm, investigators took into custody a 17-year-old Hispanic male in the area of the 605 freeway & Whittier Boulevard. The juvenile suspect is a resident of West Covina. Moments later, investigators took into custody Erick Rodriguez (DOB 3-12-1991), in the 8600 block of Alburtis in the County area of Whittier. Rodriguez (pictured above) is a resident of the County area of Whittier. Both suspects were booked for suspicion of murder at the Whittier Police Department.

Following the arrests, Whittier Police investigators conducted numerous search warrants in West Covina and the County area of Whittier for the collection of additional evidence relating to this case. Neither the suspects nor the victims of this crime reside in the city of Santa Fe Springs.


Additional media inquiries may be directed to Officer Mike Dekowski at 562-505-6983.

-END-



Santa Fe Springs, CA – On December 8, 2009 at approximately 12:20am, Whittier PD Officers assigned to Santa Fe Springs, were dispatched to a call of shots fired in the 8800 block of Dice Road. When officers arrived in the area,they were able to locate two male Hispanic victims 18-20yrs old, each having sustained gunshot wounds. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Detectives are actively investigating this case; however anyone with information is encouraged to call the Whittier Police Department at (562) 945-8250.

Additional media inquiries may be directed to Officer Mike Dekowski at 562-505-6983.