Bradley Kavika Hanaway, a 34-year-old man, was found dead on January 14, 2019, in the 7100 block of Whitsett Avenue in Valley Glen, Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County coroner’s records, Hanaway was discovered by paramedics with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of Whitsett Fields Park and was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:10 a.m. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a call of a shooting at around 9 a.m.
and initiated an investigation into the incident.
Hanaway was known to be a transient residing in the area, and detectives indicated that he was in a park claimed by gang members. LAPD Detective Dave Peteque stated that Hanaway was shot without any apparent reason, suggesting that those who entered the park were subject to violence and harassment by the gang members. The investigation revealed that Hanaway was in a location dominated by gang activity, which ultimately led to his tragic death.
The LAPD identified two suspects in connection with Hanaway's murder: Luis Gonzalez, 19, and Edwin Martinez, 21. Both suspects faced charges related to the incident. Gonzalez was charged with one count of murder with gang and gun allegations, while Martinez faced one count of accessory after the fact. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office also charged both individuals with one count of criminal street gang conspiracy. Gonzalez and Martinez pleaded not guilty to the charges on February 19, 2019, and were scheduled to appear in court again on March 26, 2019.
Further investigations into the case revealed that the suspects were associated with the notorious gang MS-13. The LAPD conducted a series of operations targeting gang activities in the area, which included the arrest of additional gang members. The authorities believed that the gang was attempting to establish a stronger presence in the North Hollywood neighborhood, leading to increased violence and criminal activities. The murder of Bradley Kavika Hanaway was seen as part of the gang's efforts to assert control over the territory.
The case drew significant attention from the community and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the ongoing issues of gang violence and its impact on vulnerable populations, such as the homeless. The LAPD continued to urge anyone with information about the case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
