Jose Alfredo Espidion, 34

Jose Espidion, a 34-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Friday, July 18, in the 5300 block of Alhambra Avenue in El Sereno, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About 11:15 a.m., Espidion, holding a machete, and an accomplice armed with an assault rifle walked into a liquor store and threatened the owner, police said.

Espidion approached the store owner, a man in his late 50s, and the two struggled, Palacio said.

The accomplice accidentally shot Espidion during the struggle, then ran down the street where he was chased down and held down by people in the area, said LAPD Det. Dante Palacio.

Police arrived shortly after the shooting and took the accomplice into custody.  Espidion was pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m. at the store, according to coroner’s records. The store owner was not injured.

The other man, identified as Jose Alfredo Favela, a 22-year-old Latino, was charged July 22 with one count of murder with an allegation that he committed the murder while attempting a robbery, and an allegation that Favela intentionally discharged a rifle, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.

If convicted, Favela could face life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to prosecutors. Favela is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 5.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hollenbeck Division detectives at (323) 342-8900. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 

-- Richard Winton and Nicole Santa Cruz