Second victim in deadly Covina shooting identified, two suspects at large
The second of two victims shot and killed at a house party in Covina was identified by authorities Friday. Investigators continued their efforts to find two suspects in the shooting. Two other men were injured.
Deputies were sent to the 17000 block of East Bellbrook Street at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday found 20-year-old Ronnie Benitez of Covina dead at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
A vigil for the young man included dozens of flowers and pictures outside his family's home Friday.
Paramedics rushed three other men to hospitals, where one was later pronounced dead. On Friday, the Los Angeles County coroner's office identified him as Vladimir Umana, 33, who was from West Covina.
Detectives determined that two suspects were responsible for the shooting, and they were later identified as 19-year-old Joel Daniel Garcia and 19-year-old Brian Thomas Ramos. The LASD noted both should be considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities released photos and descriptions of the two suspects. Garcia is 6 feet, 1 inch, weighs 160 pounds and has brown hair and eyes, while Thomas is 5 feet, 10 inches and weighs 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
"We're asking for everyone to please keep a lookout for these guys as they're still walking free while my boyfriend is no longer here," said Emma Paez, Benitez's girlfriend.
A food fundraiser will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at 4555 N. Lark Ellen Ave. in Covina for the funeral costs of the victims.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
