A story for every victim

Louis Michael Alberto Garcia, 23

Louis Michael Alberto Garcia, a 23-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Wednesday, Oct. 12 in the 1100 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Harbor City, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m., Garcia was standing inside Bob’s Hamburgers near the counter when a man walked in and began shooting at him, said Los Angeles Police Det. David Cortez.

Garcia was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. The owner of the restaurant, Charalambos “Bob” Antonelos, 61, was also killed in the shooting.

Police identified the suspect through surveillance video, witness statements and gang intelligence, Cortez said.

Joey Mendoza, an 18-year-old Latino, and a gang member in the area, was arrested on suspicion of murder early the next morning at his parent’s house, Cortez said.  

The shooting is believed to be the result of a dispute between Garcia and Mendoza that occurred a few days earlier, Cortez said.

Garcia was confronted for being in the area but his girlfriend works nearby, Cortez said.

Antonelos was well known in the area. Customers told the Daily Breeze that Antonelos was known for giving away free food to those in need.

“He was really just a good man,” said Antonelos’ niece, Leticia Page. “He worked hard and he was finally going to retire. You never know. It’s just awful.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Cortez at (310) 726-7889. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.

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