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Armando Castaneda, 51

Armando Castaneda (2009-11-12)

Armando Castaneda, a 51-year-old Latino, was shot Tuesday, Nov. 10, at his home in the 2600 block of Michigan Avenue in Boyle Heights, authorities said.

Castaneda had been in a monthlong dispute with his roommate, Albino Pena, a 53-year-old black man, said Los Angeles Police Det. DeWayne Fields. The two had apparently quarreled over privacy issues, and about 8 p.m. on the day of the shooting, Pena allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Castaneda in the back of the head.

Fields said Pena then left town for Las Vegas, leaving Castaneda at their residence. Pena returned Nov. 12 and called 911 to report the crime. He apparently told detectives he turned himself in because he wanted to do the right thing. Coroner's officials listed Nov. 12 as Castaneda's date of death, although it was unclear how long he lived after he was shot.

Pena was arrested Nov. 12. Jane Robinson, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, said prosecutors are charging him with one count of murder.

-- Anthony Pesce

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