Full Notification

Beating Victim Identified; Declared Brain Dead

North Hills.  As the family of Carlos Sanchez Cruz, 31, gathered at Holy Cross Hospital yesterday, a team of doctors performed evaluations on the man who had been beaten and shot in the head Sunday afternoon in North Hills.

“It’s sad that a dispute over $50 would lead to a man’s death,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “I hope the family can find some solace in knowing at least we have the persons responsible in custody.”

Medical staff informed detectives this morning that Cruz was declared brain dead at 3 PM, February 3, 2014.  His family has agreed to have some of his organs harvested to be used to help others.

Two local gang members, 21-year-old Robert Chapman of San Fernando, and a 17-year-old youth were booked initially for attempted murder.  Detectives will now pursue murder charges against one or both suspects after conferring with prosecutors.

Cruz was known in the North Hills neighborhood as a transient. 

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Ryan Verna, Mission Homicide Unit, at (818) 838-9976.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

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