On Friday, May 11, 2007, at 1 p.m. Investigators from the Santa Monica Police Department’s narcotics and vice unit arrested Luis M. Cortez (M/H 51 L. A. resident) after he solicited an undercover Santa Monica Police officer to murder his friend who had entrusted more than $100,000 in Suspect Cortez’s care. Suspect Cortez and the intended victim have know each other for nearly 20 years.

On May 2, 2007, Suspect Cortez contacted another friend and asked him to look for someone that he (Cortez) could hire to kill the victim. Once the victim was killed, Suspect Cortez thought that he could then keep the money. This friend in turn contacted the Santa Monica Police Department who conducted the investigation which led to Suspect Cortez’s arrest.  

Suspect Cortez was arrested at his workplace in Santa Monica. Investigators also served search warrants at his workplace and his residence in Los Angeles, where they recovered additional evidence.

Suspect Cortez was arrested and booked for 653 f (b) of the penal code: Soliciting another person to commit a murder and for 182 of the penal code: Conspiracy to commit a crime. Due to the nature of the crime, a bail enhancement was obtained and Suspect Cortez is being held without bail. The case was presented to the District Attorney today and the above charges were filed.