2 Shot Dead Outside Downey Motel, Suspect In Custody
DOWNEY (CBSLA) – Two people were killed in a shooting near a Downey motel Saturday morning. The double-murder suspect has been taken into custody following a standoff in Santa Fe Springs.
The shooting was reported at 11:30 a.m. outside Rick's Motel, in the 9400 block of Firestone Boulevard, Downey Police report.
Officers responded to find two people dead at the scene.
The victims were not immediately identified. They were later reported to be two males.
Downey Police identified the suspect as Joseph Penland of Downey. He was a guest at the motel.
CBSLA's Chris Holmstrom tweeted Saturday evening that there was a heavy police presence in Whittier.
Heavy police presence in Whittier. Neighbors say police are looking for the shooting suspect from Downey. #CBSLA pic.twitter.com/uhyfcfxBic
— Chris Holmstrom (@ChrisVHolmstrom) July 1, 2018
Penland was barricaded in a warehouse in Santa Fe Springs where he worked according to Downey Police. There were employees inside but they got out safe. The suspect was armed and dangerous.
"Who knows what is going through his mind at this time but we're just happy that he did give himself up peacefully," said Capt. Mark McDaniel, Downey Police.
Authorities said that two additional subjects are being sought as persons of interest; Catarina Frances Barajas, 25, and Vanessa Teresa Cardenas, 32.
Downy Police are encouraging anyone with information on this crime to contact Detective Richard Garcia at (562) 904-2330.