Cota was the first victim in a stabbing rampage that took place that day in Hollywood, also killing Keith Falin, a 43-year-old white man. Two others were injured.
Police responded to a radio call about a man shot at 1:22 p.m. and found Cota with stab wounds to his left side. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Police arrested Domingo Linares Rodas, a 53-year-old Latino, at 5:10 p.m. on the day of Cota's killing. LAPD said they have linked him to all four of the stabbings. Los Angeles County district attorney's officials have charged him in connection with two, Falin's death and another assault, but not the stabbing death of Cota. Officials said the other stabbings are still being investigated.
Police allege that Rodas preyed on his victims -- described by police as transients -- over a period of several hours as motorists and pedestrians filled the streets.