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Susana Perez-Ruelas, 34

Susana Perez-Ruelas, a 34-year-old Latina, was shot and killed Wednesday, Oct. 24, at her home in the 8500 block of Cleta Street in Downey, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Perez-Ruelas was one of three people shot and killed in a shooting rampage that police say may have been linked to a botched Craigslist robbery. Her mother-in-law and 13-year-old son were also shot and injured in the shootings.

Downey police have arrested ex-con and known gang member Jade Douglas Harris, a 30-year-old black man, and charged him with three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, in addition to other charges.

Prosecutors say they believe Harris came to United States Fire Protection, a business co-owned by Perez-Ruelas’ husband, in order to rob its owners of a 2010 Camaro they had listed for sale on Craigslist.

When he arrived, they say he brandished a gun and demanded the keys. When workers at the business could not provide the keys, Harris allegedly shot and killed two workers and wounded a third.
Harris is then charged with forcing Perez-Ruelas, who had just arrived at the store with her son, to take him back to their home to obtain the keys. There, authorities say, Harris shot and killed her and shot and wounded her son.

The alleged assailant, who could face the death penalty if convicted, is due back in court Nov. 28.

Anyone with additional details about the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

--Wesley Lowery

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