Mariano Flores, a 23-year-old Latino, was tragically shot and killed on June 28, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. in the 700 block of E. 80th Street in the Florence neighborhood. Flores and 41-year-old Arthur Merino were working on a vehicle in a driveway when an unidentified assailant approached and opened fire. Both men were struck by the gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene.
The gunman fled on foot, and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) launched an investigation into the double homicide.
The investigation into the deaths of Mariano Flores and Arthur Merino was handled by the LAPD's Criminal Gang Homicide Division. Despite efforts to gather information and leads, the case remains unsolved. The police urged anyone with information to come forward, offering anonymity through Crime Stoppers. The lack of witnesses and concrete evidence has made it challenging for investigators to identify and apprehend the suspect. Over the years, the case has seen little progress, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murders.
The community and family members of Mariano Flores have expressed their grief and frustration over the unsolved case. They have held vigils and memorials to honor his memory and to keep the case in the public eye, hoping that someone with information will eventually come forward. The tragic loss of Flores and Merino has left a lasting impact on their loved ones and the community, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in Los Angeles.
Efforts to solve the case continue, with the LAPD periodically revisiting the investigation and following up on any new leads. The case remains open, and the police are determined to bring justice to the families of Mariano Flores and Arthur Merino. The community's support and cooperation are crucial in solving this case and preventing further violence in the area.
