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Juan Sanchez, 19

Juan Sanchez, a 19-year-old Latino, died May 22 after he was beaten in the 4200 block of West Burns Avenue in East Hollywood, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Sanchez was working at a construction site about 1:45 p.m. when he got into a fight with a co-worker, said Los Angeles Police Det. John Motto.

The co-worker struck Sanchez with a hammer multiple times, Motto said. Sanchez was taken to a hospital where, he was pronounced dead at 2:25 p.m., according to coroner’s records.

The co-worker, Christian Valdez, was arrested on suspicion of murder the same day. Valdez, 20,  has been charged with one count of murder, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. He pleaded not guilty and is due back in court July 8.

Anyone with information can call Rampart Division homicide detectives at (213) 484-3641. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

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