LA Man Wanted for Murder, Arrested in Las Vegas
Reseda. The wanted man in the February murder of Matthew Hanna was arrested in Las Vegas over this past weekend after he crossed over the double yellow line and nearly collided with an oncoming police car. An arrest warrant for Donte Daley, 39, was issued earlier this year after LAPD detectives tied Daley to Hanna’s death.
“The word was, Daley could be anywhere from Las Vegas to Florida, or several states in between,” said Capt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the West Valley Patrol Division. “US Marshals were working with us to find him. As it turned out, it was an officer from the Nevada Taxi Authority who ultimately took him down.”
Matthew Hanna was an acquaintance of Daley through some other friends. Evidence and witness statements tied Daley to the shooting in late February. Hanna’s parents found their son’s dead body in his home, February 28, 2015, in the 16400 block of Gilmore Street. He had been shot multiple times, one or more days prior to the discovery.
Daley was known to be involved in illicit sales of prescription medicine and methamphetamine. He was, indeed, booked in Las Vegas for possessions for sales of prescription drugs and cocaine, after arresting officers found a stash in his Nevada registered car.
“Apparently Daley styled himself as a bit of a celebrity,” Capt. Vernon added. “The arresting officer was incredulous when Daley asked, ‘Where are the TV cameras?” then quipped, ‘You know, I’m 187 out of Cali.” The Nevada officer had to ask a partner what that meant. Translation: Daley was wanted for murder in California.
LAPD detectives will travel to Las Vegas to bring Daley back to Los Angeles for trial.
Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. Matt Kohl, West Valley Homicide Unit, at (818) 374-7712. 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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