Daniel Duarte, a 31-year-old Latino, was tragically shot and killed on January 21, 2018, near the 110 Freeway between Avenue 52 and Via Marisol in Highland Park, Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County coroner’s records, Duarte and another man were in a makeshift tent in a homeless encampment along the Arroyo Seco riverbed when two men approached them at around 4:40 a.m. The intruders asked, “Where are you from?”
When Duarte and his companion responded that they were not affiliated with any place, one of the intruders pulled out a gun and shot both men. Duarte was declared dead at the scene, while the other man, who managed to escape and seek help, survived the attack.
The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as gang members. Andrew Palacios, a 19-year-old Latino, and Jimmy Alfred Perez, a 31-year-old Latino, were arrested on suspicion of murder. Both men were charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder, along with gun and gang allegations. The suspects matched the descriptions provided by witnesses, and their court proceedings were scheduled for July 10, 2018. Despite the arrests, the motive behind targeting Duarte and his companion, who had no known gang ties, remained unclear.
The case highlighted the dangers faced by homeless individuals in Los Angeles and the ongoing issues of gang violence in the area. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) continued to seek information from the public to aid in the investigation. Community members were encouraged to contact Hollenbeck detectives or Crime Stoppers with any relevant information. The tragic death of Daniel Duarte underscored the need for increased safety measures and support for vulnerable populations living on the streets.
