Suspect charged for killing security guard outside USC housing complex
A security guard working at an apartment building near the University of Southern California campus was shot and killed around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The victim was identified by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office on Friday as 41-year-old Jave Garanganao.
"It's really sad to come here and see this, to know that this man was doing his job," said acquaintance Quyvonne Perry.
Officers detained an armed person of interest near the building, located near Flower and West 23rd Streets, according to the LAPD. Police found 31-year-old Alexader Crawford sleeping in the parking area near the lobby area of the building. He was arrested and booked for murder.
On Friday, the District Attorney charged Crawford with one count of murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.
"What we know is the deadly attack was unprovoked and unforgivable," officials from Secure Net Alliance, the security company assigned to the property, said in a statement. "Our security team on site was able to locate the perpetrator which lead to his immediate arrest by LAPD."
Police confirmed Garanganao was an unarmed security guard at The Lorenzo, a private building that houses USC students. The university is currently on winter break.
Police received calls reporting gunshots at about 12:45 a.m. One witness told CBSLA they heard about seven gunshots.
"We just heard like seven gunshots," said resident Juan Lindo. "We weren't too sure what it was."
According to police, Garanganao was escorting Crawford off the property for allegedly trespassing.
"I feel very sorry for him and his family, especially because it's Christmas time," said Perry. This is a new year and he didn't get to make it."
Multiple shots were fired, according to the LAPD.
"It appears at this point it was some type of dispute that led up to it, so I don't think he was targeted or the location itself was targeted," said LAPD Lt. Ryan Rabbett. "It seems that it was some type of dispute that just went wrong."
Police are investigating video from near the scene and officers are interviewing witnesses.
Nearby Metro rail services were temporarily replaced by shuttle buses. "Shuttle buses replacing E LINE (EXPO) service between LATTC/Ortho Institute and Jefferson/USC. This is expected to last until 8 am," LA Metro Rider Alerts tweeted at 6:13 a.m. Normal rail service was restored by 9:15 a.m.
Secure Net Alliance said that a fundraiser was set up to pay for burial expenses and the officer's surviving 13-year-old daughter. Those wishing to donate can contact the company at (818) 848-4900 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.