“Gang Members Arrested in Connection with Shooting Death of Man; Suspects Possibly Linked to Double Homicide”

Arrests Made in Connection with shooting Death and Possible Double Homicide

The Pasadena Police Department announced on Wednesday that six gang members have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a man on Angeles Crest Highway. Detectives also suspect that the same individuals may be involved in a double homicide that occurred in Rancho Palos Verdes.
On July 22, at around 3 a.m., Pasadena officers responded to a shooting incident at mile marker 36.28 on Angeles Crest Highway. The victims, identified as 32-year-old Jesse Munoz and a female friend, were in the area to watch the sunrise when two suspects attempted to rob Munoz’s car and opened fire. Munoz tragically lost his life, but the female passenger survived without injury.
Using advanced technology, two suspects and a suspect vehicle were identified on Monday evening. The following day, Pasadena PD, with assistance from the United States Marshal’s Service, conducted an operation that led to the arrest of six suspects. Five adult males were apprehended in Panorama City, while a female suspect was arrested in Los Angeles.
During the operation, detectives impounded a vehicle believed to be connected to the homicide and recovered four firearms. Lt. Keith Gomez of the Robbery-Homicide Unit stated that the Pasadena PD believes there is a connection between this case and a double homicide in Rancho Palos Verdes.
In Rancho Palos Verdes, 26-year-old Taylor Raven Whittaker and 36-year-old Jorge Ramos were found shot to death in Ramos’ car on July 24. Their bodies were discovered by a hiker in the parking lot of Pelican Cove Park. Investigators are treating this case as a targeted attack.
Based on their investigation, the authorities suspect that the six arrested individuals, who are believed to be members of a criminal gang, have a pattern of targeting victims in scenic turnouts or areas with poor cellular signal. They also believe these suspects may be connected to other armed robberies in Los Angeles County.
While Pasadena PD is sharing information with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department regarding the Rancho Palos Verdes double homicide, no arrests have been made in that case yet.
The family of Jesse Munoz has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for funeral expenses. They remember Jesse as a loving person who enjoyed spending time with family and playing guitar in his band.