Jacob Anthony Valencia Jr., 37

Jacob Anthony Valencia Jr., a 37-year-old white man, was shot and killed Wednesday, July 15, in the 15200 block of Stagg Street in Van Nuys, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records. 

The incident began about 9 p.m. near Stagg and Burnett streets, when Valencia, who was on foot, got into an argument with his former girlfriend and another man in a car, said Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Jim Gavin. 

Witnesses said they saw shots fired from inside the car, and Valencia turned and ran west on Stagg, toward Sepulveda Boulevard, with the man chasing after him, Gavin said. The woman, who was driving, allegedly followed in the car, described as a white Dodge Neon. 

The men got into a fight in a parking lot a block or two from Sepulveda, wrestling on the ground, Gavin said. Valencia was on top of the man, hitting him in the face, when the woman drove up and allegedly knocked him off using the bumper of her car, Gavin said. 

Witnesses told police that the woman got out of the car and allegedly started kicking Valencia, Gavin said, and the man stood up and allegedly shot at Valencia multiple times. The woman and man then got into the car and drove away. 

Valencia was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:16 p.m., according to coroner’s records. 

Gavin said police officers were able to identify and arrest the woman the next day, using witness descriptions and surveillance video from nearby businesses. 

Katrina Ann Arrieta, a 31-year-old Latina from Van Nuys, was arrested on suspicion of murder and booked into jail in lieu of $1-million bail. 

Gavin said Arrieta and Valencia have a 4-year-old daughter, who was staying with a member of Valencia’s family at the time of the shooting. Investigators notified Arrieta about Valencia’s death, and asked her to come pick up her daughter, Gavin said. When she arrived, they recognized her from the video and witness descriptions and arrested her.

Investigators are still looking for the man who was with Arrieta. Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Van Nuys Station Det. White at (818) 374-0040. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 

— Jeanette Marantos