Frank Eric Martinez, 27

March 1, 2012

Frank Martinez, a 27-year-old Latino, was shot and killed by police Thursday, March 1, in the 15500 block of Escalona Road in La Mirada, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Martinez, a documented gang member, was wanted in connection with a double homicide Nov. 30 in East L.A. He had been on the run since the slayings, LAPD Cmdr. Andrew Smith said.

When officers arrived at the La Mirada residence to serve a warrant, Martinez scrambled on to the roof of a nearby home. Three officers and an FBI agent fired after Martinez appeared to reach into his pocket, Smith said. The officers also believed he fired at least one shot.

The accounts that the suspect had armed himself were supported by multiple civilian witnesses interviewed at the scene, Smith said.

Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene as news helicopters showed live video of him lying on the roof, covered by a white sheet. None of the officers were injured in the shooting.

Authorities initially said witnesses, including officers and residents, told them the suspect reached into his pocket and fired what was believed to be a handgun.

But LAPD and FBI officials said their ongoing investigation found no evidence either at the scene or during an L.A. County coroner's examination over the weekend that the suspect had a weapon. Investigators presented their preliminary findings to LAPD's top commanders Tuesday.

In explaining the apparent contradiction between the initial reports and the investigation's latest findings, Smith said the department was trying to give the most immediate and accurate information they had at the time.

"These are very chaotic scenes and the officers all reported they believed they were being fired on," Smith said. "That's why we have our Force Investigation Division, to sort through all the information, evidence and witnesses statements."

Smith said the LAPD wanted to correct the record as quickly as possible given the new facts in the case.

Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) 527-3247 . Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Andrew Blankstein

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39 reader comments

To cut the BS already

Defending him self, yeah right in order for a self defense case to stick that person has to remain at the scene and call 911, but instead he ran why didn't he just give him self up why all drama, I'll tell you why because he was guilty and guilty people run. Also didn't he say he would kill any law enforcement officer if they tried taking him into custody does that sound like a self defense case, but let me guess he was set up by the police right it was a big cover up the police had noting else better to do so they went after him . Self defense why run from East Los Angeles to the city of LA Mirada does that make any sense to anyone? Let's see I shoot two people in self defense and instead of calling 911 and giving my statement, I hop in my car drive away to another city, do you see how stupid that sounds. Sorry your self defense theory won't cut it he was as gulity as they come, tell the family of victims that BS self defense story.

— Uncle Sam Sept. 15, 2012 at 12:12 p.m.

Thanks for prooving my point uncle sam !...
The L.A.P.D ARE THE BIGEST TERRORIST IN AMERICA & HIDE BEHIND A BADGE ! Your not fooling anybody your reign of terror will soon come to an end,when u get caught for all the corruption your involed in your going to end up right with the same criminals you put away ! Your not any different than all the other gang members in the world,straight terrorist ! Its a shame that 1 bad cop ruins the progress we(l.a.p.d) have made in the boyle heights community ! The community,programs to help our at risk youth & law enforcement with good cops that have the best interest of the community & l.a.p.d internal affairs doing their job is the key to ending the violence ! Clean out the l.a.p.d of all the corrupt officers now ! Our citizens of boyle heights deserve better !

— JUSTICE FOR ALL ! Sept. 13, 2012 at 3:50 p.m.

Most of us citizens know that there are good cops and bad cops out there, just as there are good and bad workers in any other profession. However, it is plainly obvious that in this case the “victim” was none other than the perpetrator who in the end paid with his own blood the blood he spilled from others, regardless of who the others where. If the deceased was cowardly enough to shot to death two of his friends, he could have easily taking the same action against the officers serving the search warrant or to any other person getting on his path. Also, do not disregard the fact that officers had first hand information of who they were dealing with. Officers took the only effective course of action for this particular situation

— Souleil July 10, 2012 at 10:48 a.m.

The Homicide Report

Frank Eric Martinez, 27

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39 reader comments