LAPD Blog

A Mother’s Letter to Her Son Deputy Chief Kenneth Gardner

March 1st marked the one-year anniversary of the sudden and untimely death of my very dear son and friend, and former Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Kenneth O. Garner.  Nothing is more endearing than to honor a loved one passed and to bestow a purposeful and meaningful tribute to their memory.  Kenny, as he was fondly known by so many, will always be remembered and honored as a man who gave so much to so many and for touching the lives, hearts and souls of literally thousands.  

Although finding the words to convey my feelings on the first anniversary of my very painful loss is difficult, I reflect on my son’s passing and I think of not how Kenny died but how he lived and the legacy he left with all of us, and I smile and a sense of calm comes over me.  I remember that no matter how long we exist, we have our memories and that Kenny my son you haven’t gone away, because you are forever in all of our hearts and your spirit continues to live on in each of us every day.  Also, although we all continue to mourn your loss, we are comforted in knowing that for one year now you have been seated at the right hand of the supreme chief, “Chief Jesus.”  As I look toward the day when we all shall be reunited with you again, the following phrase brings me comfort:  

“This day is remembered and quietly kept,
No words are needed, we shall never forget,
For those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen and unheard, but always near,
So loved, so missed, and so very dear.”

Love,
Mom

Mary Garner mother of Kenneth Garner

Mary Garner is available for interviews via Media Relations Section.

Police Commission selects an acting Inspector General

Los Angeles – In closed session today, the Police Commission selected an Acting Inspector General to serve following the departure of André Birotte, Jr., who has been appointed to post of United States Attorney, District of Central California.  Assistant Inspector General Django Sibley will serve as Acting Inspector General until a new Inspector General is chosen.  In keeping with the method used during the Chief of Police selection process, the Commission has selected an individual for the Acting position who is not applying for the permanent position, ensuring an open and fair process.  

“Mr. Sibley is a very talented professional with excellent judgment and integrity.  He will serve the City well through this transition period in the Office of the Inspector General,” stated Police Commission President John Mack.

Django Sibley joined the Office of the Inspector General in 2004 as a Special Investigator and promoted to Assistant Inspector General position in 2007.  He currently oversees the Categorical Use of Force Section.

Apartment Burglaries with Drilled Locks

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help for information leading to the identification and arrest of a burglary crew targeting Mid City apartments.  These suspects were captured in surveillance video.

On February 24, 2025 two suspects forced their way into an apartment in the 3100 block of West 3rd St. The suspects unlocked the deadbolt locks and gained entry in to the apartment unit by drilling holes from the exterior of the front doors above the deadbolts.  Once inside, the suspects ransacked the residence and removed selected items.

The suspects are described as male Asians in their 20’s wearing gray colored LA baseball caps.  One of the suspects had black framed eyeglasses. These suspects are believed to be responsible for other burglaries in the area.

Anyone with information regarding these burglaries or other crimes is encouraged to contact Olympic Burglary Detective Adrian Chin at 213-382-9440.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Open Letter from Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck

This week, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) participated in the California Homicide Investigators Association (CHIA) conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

CHIA was formed in 1968 when homicide detectives from Los Angeles and San Francisco met over dinner to discuss the Zodiac Killer investigation. Today, CHIA is the largest organization of homicide and death investigation professionals in the United States with over 1,400 members that include law enforcement representatives from all over the United States and Canada.  

Each year different law enforcement organizations take turns hosting the conference.  At this year’s CHIA conference, hosted by the LAPD, a multimedia exhibit called, “Behind the Scenes: The LAPD Homicide Experience,” was created and features homicide evidence from crimes and deaths that have captured the public's attention.  The teaching exhibit was opened on Wednesday to the public and thousands of guests have stood in lines for up to two hours to glimpse Los Angeles's history.  

A number of the exhibits show evidence that was collected during various well-known incidents and they were carefully designed so visitors would gain a better appreciation for the tragedy of murder and the difficult jobs law enforcement detectives have in solving often very complicated cases.  Murder is the absolute worst thing one human being can do to another and the displays were designed to provide a unique insight into the sacrifice of victims and their families as well as the emotional toll murder takes on homicide detectives and the District Attorneys who prosecute the cases. Homicide is by nature horrific, but the entertainment media often portrays it as sterile and benign.  When people see the reality of murder, it becomes an unthinkable act.    

Based on the feedback we have received, it is now clear that a few of the items on display have offended some crime victims’ families.  We have both been to hundreds of murder scenes in our law enforcement career and we have consoled many family members. It was never our intent to cause grief to victims of crime or their families.  The CHIA exhibit was designed to be educational and to show the public how murder cases are very carefully investigated.  We never intended to compound the grief of murder victim’s families, but unfortunately, a few items on display have been interpreted by some people as such, and that was never our intention. Our organizations strive to bring justice to homicide victims not to cause sorrow to their families.

Steve Cooley                                 Charlie Beck
District Attorney                            Chief of Police

Notes from the March 2, 2025 Weekly Police Commission Meeting

•Police Commissioner Alan Skobin attended a concert by the Los Angeles Police Concert Band for the USO.  The concert served as a fundraiser for an upcoming East Coast trip by the band.  Commissioner Skobin said it was an honor to participate in the fundraiser.

•Police Commissioner Robert Saltzman attended the recruit graduation last Friday and noted the small size of the class.  He also met with representatives from the Department of Justice – Civil Rights Unit where they discussed hate crimes among other issues.  Commissioner Saltzman added he attended LEADS training with Professional Standards Bureau staff regarding Bias Policing.  He was very impressed with the quality of the discussion.

•Chief of Police Charlie Beck informed the Board the current amount of sworn employees is 9,927.  He added there are currently 106 recruits in the academy with a new class of 25 recruits which started Monday.  Chief Beck also said there were 3,149 civilian employees currently in the Department making for a 448 vacancy rate.

•The Executive Director's report, dated February 24, 2010, relative to the Police Commission Distinguished Service Medal for André Birotte Jr., Inspector General, was approved.  Each Commissioner took some time to tell a small story of time spent together as well as offer well wishes for Mr. Birotte's new position as a United States Attorney.

•The Department's verbal presentation and discussion relative to the current status of the Digital In-Car Video Camera System field test and the overall status of the entire Operations South Bureau project was given by Police Administrator Maggie Goodrich.  Ms. Goodrich informed the Board they had experienced two problems with the system. The first was synchronizing the time on the in-car systems to show consistency and the other was with the quality of the video.  Both issues have been resolved. Moving forward, Ms. Goodrich said the goals would be to continue testing the Stand Alone System, working with Motor Transport Division to prepare the Southeast Area Senior Lead Officer vehicles for deployment, training the Southeast Area SLO's on the system and deploying the Stand Alone System for field use. It was Ms. Goodrich's hope to have the system deployed to the entire Southeast Area by the end of April.

•The Department's report, dated February 12, 2010, relative to the Transmittal of the Grant Augmentation Award for the 2008/2009 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program from the California Emergency Management Agency, was approved and transmitted concurrently to the Mayor and City Council.

•The Department's report, dated February 12, 2010, relative to the Grant Award for 2009 Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program (Archangel), was approved and transmitted concurrently to the Mayor and City Council.

•The Department's report, dated February 9, 2010, relative to the Transmittal of the Grant Application for the 2009 Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force – Recovery Act Program, was approved and transmitted concurrently to the Mayor and City Council.

•The Department's report, dated February 16, 2010, relative to the Supplemental Police Account Fourth Quarter Report (October through December 2009), was approved and transmitted to the City Council and City Controller. 

•The Department's report, dated February 12, 2010, relative to the Department's Quarterly Discipline Report, Fourth Quarter 2009, was received.  The Board directed the Office of the Inspector General to submit an analysis of this report along with any appropriate recommendations.

•The Department's report, dated February 24, 2010, relative to the request to draft ordinance permitting use of T3 devices on public sidewalks, was approved and transmitted to the City Council, Public Safety Committee.

Detectives Investigate Sexual Assault Incident between Two Students

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Division detectives are investigating a reported sexual assault that occurred at Nathaniel Narbonne High School in Harbor City.

The alleged assault happened yesterday at the school shortly after 10 a.m. while classes were in session. The students involved were a 15-year-old female and 17-year-old male who were already acquainted.  So far, the investigation has shown the encounter to be an isolated incident between two individuals and not part of a trend or serial-related.  

The male subject was arrested at the school without incident and is currently being detained on sexual assault charges.  In the near future, the case will be presented to the Long Beach Juvenile District Attorney's Office.  The identities of both subjects are confidential due to their ages.

Young Woman Missing

*Update*

On March 3, 2010, the mother of Bailey Duvall called the LAPD Missing Persons Unit and advised that her daughter is safe.  Duvall called her mother after seeing her face on a missing person flyer.

Los Angeles:  The family of 20-year-old Baylee Dovall and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are asking for the public's assistance in locating Dovall, who has been missing since last week Sunday.

On February 21, 2010, at around 10 p.m., Dovall had a conversation with her mother on the phone, which is the last contact with any of her family members.  Dovall's last known residence was in the area of 48th or 50th Street and Figueroa.  She is from the Los Angeles area and has also lived in Long Beach.  Dovall was planning a trip to Paris for a model-related photo shoot.  It is unclear whether she actually has left for Paris or not.  Dovall's family is very concerned about her safety.

Dovall is described as a female Black, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 115 pounds.  She has brown hair and brown eyes.  

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dovall is urged to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Merrill at 213-996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone. All text messages should being with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.    

COMPSTAT Citywide Profile

Crime Statistics February 27, 2025

VIOLENT CRIMES                  2010**           2009**          % Chg

Homicide                                33*                 50           -34.0%
Rape                                     103                 124          -16.9%
Robbery                               1857               2076          -10.5%
Agg Assaults **                     1416               1667          -15.1%
Total Violent Crimes             3409              3917          -13.0%

PROPERTY CRIMES

Burglary                                 2623             2989           -12.2%
BTFV                                      4541             4788            -5.2%
Personal/Other Theft             3776             4409           -14.4%
Auto Theft                             2752             2907            -5.3%
Total Property Crimes       13,692         15,093           -9.3%
Total Part I Crimes            17,101         19,010         -10.0%

* Numbers reflects a change in reclassification for Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) guidelines and numbers are adjusted accordingly.

** Prior to 2005, Aggravated Assaults included Child/Spousal Simple Assaults

Man Found Shot in Apartment

Los Angeles:  Reports of gunfire lead Rampart Area Officers to a man shot in the head.

On Monday, March 1, 2010, at around 12 noon, police dispatchers received reports of gunfire at an apartment in the 700 block of South Beacon Street.

Responding Officers searched the area for evidence of a shooting.  When the officers looked into an open apartment door, they saw a man lying on the floor in a pool of blood.

The man, later identified as Miguel Pasaye, had apparently been shot in the head.  Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department transported Pasaye to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Detectives have very little information about the suspects or motive in this crime.  It is believed that Pasaye had been living in the apartment where he was found shot for only a few weeks.  This shooting is believed to be gang related.

Anyone with information about this murder is asked to call Rampart Homicide Detectives, Detective Julian Pere at 213-484-3650.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call     Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

65-Year-Old Missing Man

(Update)

On Mar. 4, at around 10 o’clock this morning, detectives received information that Norman Fonteno was admitted to a nursing home in Glendale.  He appears to be okay and his family has been notified.

Los Angeles:  The family of Norman Fonteno and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) are asking for the public's assistance in locating Fonteno, who has been missing since February 13, 2010.

On February 13, 2010, at around 9 a.m., Fonteno was last seen leaving the 10000 block of Lou Dillion Avenue in the Southeast area of Los Angeles.  Fonteno said to his family, "I will be right back," and he never returned.  He hasn't had any contact with his immediate family since then, and it seems he has disappeared.

Fonteno is described as a male Black, 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.  He has brown hair and brown eyes.  He was last seen wearing a tan jacket and blue jeans.  Fonteno also walks with a cane and his middle name is Duke.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mr. Fonteno is urged to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Merrill at 213-996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone. All text messages should being with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.