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Richmond, CA Man Arrested for Sylmar Murder

Sylmar.  Late last week, Los Angeles homicide detectives arrested 23-year-old Carlo Cresci (pronounced KRECH-EE), in Richmond, California, after tying him to the May 24 murder of Jose Martinez, 26, found stabbed to death, in a burning car in Sylmar.

“This case could have been a real whodunit, but for a little luck and some really good detective work,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of LAPD Mission Detective Division.  “The luck was an intact restaurant receipt that survived the car fire.”

The receipt led detectives to a restaurant where video showed Martinez in the company of, who turned out to be, Cresci and Cresci’s grandparents, who live in Sylmar.

“The grandparents were the local connection that brought Martinez and Cresci all the way from Richmond, where both men lived separately, across the street from each other.

A forensic search of Martinez’s cellphone, which also survived the fire, identified Carlo Cresci as one of Martinez’s contacts.  “It was straightforward, but tedious police work, narrowing down the contacts,” Vernon explained.  “The real tip off came when Cresci feigned knowing Martinez, while so many other acquaintances put them together.”

Detectives put the case together then got 3 search warrants for locations in the Richmond area.  Six detectives, supported by several more from LAPD’s Major Crimes Division, traveled to Richmond and surprised Cresci when he showed up for his county work-release program, part of his probation from a prior conviction.  Local law enforcement assisted the LAPD detectives with the warrants.  Detectives flew Cresci back to Los Angeles on an LAPD plane and booked him for the murder.

“I can’t overstate how good the work was by the detectives in this case,” Vernon added.  “Finding that little piece of paper was fortuitous, but there was so much more to make it all come together and to lead to a name and an arrest.  That said, we’ll also say, we’d rather be lucky than good any day.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Det. 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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