Jose Perez, 29

Feb. 21, 2012

Jose Perez, a 29-year-old Latino, was stabbed to death Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the 1500 block of South Normandie Avenue in Pico-Union, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

The attack was sparked by an argument between Perez and another man about 2 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department said. The two were reputed gang members.

Perez was stabbed repeatedly with a knife. After the incident, authorities were called, and the victim was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Coroner's records show Perez was stabbed in the face, right arm, chest and abdomen.

Police took a man in his 20s into custody in connection with the attack, LAPD Officer Karen Rayner said. The assailant has since been identified as Jesus Molina, a 24-year-old Latino.

Molina has been charged with one count of murder and is being held in lieu of $1.075-million bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 14 at the Los Angeles Municipal Court.

Anyone with additional information about the killing is asked to contact West Bureau homicide Det. Jeffrey Sandefur at (213) 382-9434. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times

Share a memory or thought about Jose Perez

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

20 reader comments

Jose “PePe” was not only my next door neighbor, but he was my childhood friend since the first day he moved in in the late 80’s. I remember being told that the house next door had sold and that we were expecting new neighbors soon. I was excited to know if the new neighbors had any kids my age. A few days passed bye and “PePe” was the first of the new neighbors that I would meet. I yelled out “you live there now”? He responded “yes I do” with a huge smile on his face. As excited as he was, I was equally as excited. So eager I was to jump the stairs and make my way across the adjacent driveway to greet and shake the hand of my new next door neighbor and good friend “PePe”. Unfortunately, we lost contact for many years so I can’t really say what kind of man he had become, but I can say for the years that I’ve known him, he always gave me100% of his friendship. Needless to say, and the facts are there, and I’m not implying to what the news media had to say. No one should ever have to die the way he did. No matter what the reason or situation is. The only person with that responsibility and privilege to take a life is God himself. All my prayers go out to both parties. We must learn how to forgive, and let God, through Jesus Christ, carry us through the storm. I will truly miss you “PePe”. Your friend always, Marcos Rosales

— CoCo July 23, 2020 at 4:49 p.m.

Jose “PePe” was not only my next door neighbor, but he was my childhood friend since the first day he moved in in the late 80’s. I remember being told that the house next door had sold and that we were expecting new neighbors soon. I was excited to know if the new neighbors had any kids my age. A few days passed bye and “PePe” was the first of the new neighbors that I would meet. I yelled out “you live there now”? He responded “yes I do” with a huge smile on his face. As excited as he was, I was equally as excited. So eager I was to jump the stairs and make my way across the adjacent driveway to greet and shake the hand of my new next door neighbor and good friend “PePe”. Unfortunately, we lost contact for many years so I can’t really say what kind of man he had become, but I can say for the years that I’ve known him, he always gave me100% of his friendship. Needless to say, and the facts are there, no one should ever have to die the way he did. No matter what the reason is. The only person with that responsibility and privilege to take a life is God himself. All my prayers go out to both parties. We must learn how to forgive, and let God, through Jesus Christ, carry us through the storm. I will truly miss you “PePe”. Your friend always, Marcos Rosales

— CoCo July 23, 2020 at 4:38 p.m.

Meck and Tyler,

Were you there? Funny how you post ur supposed 'facts' like if you know something. I don't care IF Jose was under the influence or causing trouble or a gangmember...he was with his 4 year old daughter, did NOT have a weapon on him, and that so-called man, we will all call MURDERER, had a knife and repeatedly stabbed him like an animal until Jose lost his life! How dare either of you attempt to justify those actions by Jesus Molina. I'm sure MOLINA was a GANGMEMBER who was a coward, and shocked that Jose stood up for himself and so as a coward does, turned around and pulled out his lil knife and ended Jose's life. He will get what he deserves, and I will pray everyday for his soul he didnt have that day, because we all know where it will end up...all because Molina forgot he was a human, and acted as a DOG and Murdered Jose in front of his Daughter and all the children in the part in the middle of the damn DAY!!! I'll pray for 2 of you as well, so sad you take pleasure in sharing you so-called truth. When u go visit ur friend Molina, tell him I said HI!

— Cecilia Nov. 28, 2012 at 12:18 p.m.

The Homicide Report

Jose Perez, 29

Share a memory or thought about Jose Perez

20 reader comments