Ryan Gonzalez, 26

March 6, 2008, 12:26 a.m.

Ryan Daniel Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Latino man, was shot by an off-duty deputy U.S. marshal behind 7315 Melrose Ave. in Hollywood just before midnight Wednesday, March 5.

According to police, the marshal was arguing with his wife in an alley near the intersection of Poinsettia Street and Melrose Avenue when Gonzalez intervened. After arguing with the marshal, Gonzalez allegedly brandished a gun at him. Police said Gonzalez then grabbed the marshal and began punching him in the head several times.

The marshal broke free and identified himself as a law enforcement officer, but Gonzalez allegedly continued to point the gun at him. Fearing for his life, the marshal pulled out a sidearm and fired several shots. Gonzalez was hit multiple times and was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:26 a.m. the next day.

The marshal, whose name was withheld pending an investigation, was later arrested on suspicion of domestic battery.

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http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/08/deputy-us-marshal-indicted-in-2010-off-duty-fatal-shooting.html

A deputy U.S. marshal was arrested early Friday on suspicion of fatally shooting a man who intervened in a late night argument between the off-duty lawman and his wife in a Fairfax area alley more than four years ago.

Matthew Itkowitz was taken into custody a day after being secretly indicted by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles on civil rights violations and obstruction of justice.

Federal authorities took over the case after the Los Angeles district attorney's office declined to prosecute Itkowitz in 2010, despite concluding that his account of the shooting was “patently inconsistent” with video footage captured by a wall-mounted security camera in the alley.

Itkowitz, who had been drinking tequila before the incident, told police he acted in self-defense when he shot Ryan Gonzalez on March 5, 2008, in an alley off Melrose Avenue. Gonzalez intervened in the argument between Itkowitz and his wife after the woman ran up to him and several others standing behind a tattoo parlor and asked for help.

According to Itkowitz, he shot Gonzalez immediately after Gonzalez punched him and knocked him to the ground. The deputy told police that Gonzalez had moments earlier brandished a handgun and threatened to kill him.

The video footage, however, shows that the shooting did not occur until more than a minute later, after the men had separated and began walking in separate directions in the alley. As Gonzalez walks back in the direction of the tattoo parlor, Itkowitz can be seen removing a gun from the waist of his pants and holding it behind his right leg.

Still walking toward the tattoo parlor, Gonzalez turns back toward Itkowitz and motions for him to leave. When he doesn’t, Gonzalez turns and walks several steps back in Itkowitz’s direction. He is about 10 to 12 feet away when Itkowitz raises his gun and fires.

The off-duty marshal shot Gonzalez five times as he chased him down the alley. Three rounds struck Gonzalez in the back, an autopsy revealed.

Itkowitz is charged with deprivation of rights under color of law, using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and obstruction of justice.

— edmondlives Dec. 23, 2013 at 11:38 a.m.

I grew up with Ryan since the 3rd grade. He was so talented and full of energy. I will never forget some of the things we did as kids. He lived right around the block from me and we would chill pretty much everyday. He and I were so similar on a lot of levels. We both loved to play sports, we both loved music and would freestyle for hours, we both loved to make people laugh by acting a fool or impersonating our favorite comedians and actors. I miss you real bad homie, but I'm sure you know that and are looking over me right now as I type this. I can still feel your spirit and energy, and you will always be in my heart big dog. I got nothing but Madd Love for u brotha. One day we'll be united, and I look forward to that day. Rest In Paradise.

— JohnnyDevastate1 Oct. 8, 2010 at 4:25 p.m.

The Homicide Report

Ryan Gonzalez, 26

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