GPS Track Murder Suspects

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department used a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) to track down four suspects connected to a murder that took place in the Mid-City neighborhood, on December 10, 2007.

At around 11:20 a.m., Nelly Vergara and a male companion were standing on the sidewalk in the 2400 block of Venice Boulevard, when a group of gang members driving a black SUV fired several shots at Nelly and her friend.  Nelly was killed and her companion was critically injured.

Later in the day, with the help of the GPS tracking bracelet, Juan Carlos Gutierrez, 31, and Milcar Valencia Romero, 21, along with two juveniles were arrested for the murder.  John Garcia, 20, a parolee wearing the GPS bracelet was also arrested.

On Wednesday, December 12, 2007, the case was presented for review to the Deputy District Attorney.  One count of murder and two counts of attempted murder with special circumstances were filed against Juan Carlos Gutierrez. One count of murder and two counts of attempted murder were filed against Milcar Romero.  One count of murder was filed against the two juveniles and John Garcia's parole was violated. Filing on the other two suspects was rejected.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wilshire Homicide Detectives at 213-473-0446.  During off-hours or on weekends call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).