Pomona police make arrest in 'random' killing of youth pastor

A Pomona youth pastor who was shot to death in a car almost two years ago may have been targeted because he was Latino, a Pomona police homicide detective said Thursday.

Daniel Diaz, 33, was killed before 1 a.m. on Nov. 11, 2013, as he and a friend dropped off one of three boys they'd taken to the movies to celebrate Diaz's birthday and one of the teens' graduation from a youth program.

Diaz was in the front passenger seat of a car when it stopped at Park and Mayfair avenues in Pomona to look up directions for the next house.

In that moment, police said, Arvin Benson, a 27-year-old black man, walked up to the car, pulled out a gun and shot Diaz four times. No one else in the car was struck.

The killing came amid one of the most violent years in Pomona's history -- there were 29 homicides in 2013 -- and police said many were the result of a rivalry between black and Latino gangs.

Diaz had no gang affiliations, authorities said.

His family said his work as a youth pastor aimed to steer at-risk youth away from a life of violence.

Diaz’s shooting was completely "random," Lt. Hector Rodriguez said.

"The suspect in this case is black and the victim, Hispanic," Rodriguez said. "He saw this vehicle pulled up, saw a clear opportunity and took it."

Benson was arrested last week and charged with murder. His arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 29. He's being held in lieu of $2-million bail.

Though the case remained unsolved for nearly two years, police said time can wear on witnesses who at first were hesitant to talk.

"These witnesses sometimes, a shooting especially, it weighs heavily on their shoulders," Rodriguez said.

Benson's name was mentioned in connection with the Diaz killing during a separate homicide investigation, Rodriguez said.

Police eventually gathered enough evidence to make an arrest. Now they're waiting for a DNA analysis of evidence found at the scene of Diaz's killing to see if there's a match to Benson.

Rodriguez said Diaz's family was overwhelmed at news of the arrest.

"Very, very emotional time for them," he said. "They rely heavily on their faith. They’re just very good people."

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.

Photo: Youth pastor Daniel Diaz is shown in an undated photo provided by New Beginnings Community Church.