Beginning on February 7, 2007, and through the early morning hours of February 8, 2007, detectives and officers from the Santa Monica Police Department served several search and arrest warrants at residences located in West Los Angeles and Venice. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Gang Enforcement Team assisted in this investigation and with the service of the warrants. Detectives worked closely with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who provided legal advice during this investigation.

The suspects are gang members from West Los Angeles and the investigation disclosed that they were involved in two homicides, attempted homicides, and numerous drive-by shootings in Santa Monica over the past two years.

One specific shooting occurred across the street from an elementary school where children were playing on the school playground. The intended victims were standing on the sidewalk across the street from the school.

In another shooting, a couple was seated in their vehicle when these same suspects drove by and fired several gunshots at them and fled.

These suspects are also responsible for a drive-by shooting in which a young woman was shot in the leg as she walked into her apartment complex.

In another shooting, these suspects approached a group of young teenagers and fired several gunshots, killing Eddie Lopez. Eddie Lopez was 15-years-old and an avid athlete. He played on our schools’ football and baseball teams. Eddie was well liked by all and gunned down at the prime of his life.

And most recently, just two days after Christmas, Miguel Martin, another one of our youth, was shot and killed as he walked with his friends on the sidewalk in front of one of our parks.

Detectives from the Santa Monica Police Department have been working diligently to solve these acts of gang violence. In this endeavor, the Santa Monica Police Department has been working in collaboration with patrol officers and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s West LA and Pacific Divisions, as well as with attorneys from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Specialized Prosecution Unit which encompasses the Hardcore Gang Division.

As a result of this interagency collaboration, four search and arrest warrants were served in West Los Angeles and one in Venice.  Six suspects were arrested and evidence related to the crimes was recovered. Two additional suspects were taken into custody prior to the service of the warrants.

The below listed suspects have been arrested:

Jose Zapien, M/H, 18, of Los Angeles is charged with 2 counts of murder, 9 counts of attempted murder and gang conspiracy.

Andres Castillo, M/H, 18, of Los Angeles was arrested for conspiracy and gang conspiracy.

Jon Carrillo, M/H, 19, of Los Angeles is charged with attempted murder and gang conspiracy.

Victor Torres, M/H, 22, of Los Angeles was arrested for conspiracy and gang conspiracy.

Noah Farris, M/W, 22, of Los Angeles is charged with 1 count of assault with a deadly weapon and gang conspiracy.

M/H Juvenile, 17, of Los Angeles was previously charged with assault with a deadly weapon, GTA, possession of a firearm and gang conspiracy.

F/H Juvenile, 15, of Los Angeles is charged with 1 count of murder, 1 count of conspiracy to shoot into an inhabited dwelling, 2 counts of attempt murder and gang conspiracy.

M/H Juvenile, 15, of Los Angeles was arrested for conspiracy and gang conspiracy.

Anyone having information regarding any of these incidents is encouraged to contact the Robbery/Homicide unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at 310.458.8451 or the Watch Commander’s Office at 310.458.8427.  Callers who wish to provide anonymous information may also call the WeTip national hotline at 1.800.78.CRIME (27463).  Callers with information that leads to an arrest and conviction become eligible for a reward up to $1,000.