A Panorama City man was in custody Monday for allegedly fatally shooting a man who had been hired to paint over gang graffiti on the wall of a Northridge business.
Jamal Jackson, 24, was arrested Sunday in the San Bernardino County community of Ontario by personnel from the Operations-Valley Bureau Homicide Unit and the LAPD/FBI Fugitive and U.S. Marshals Task Force, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Jackson was booked on suspicion of murder, and he was being held without bail, the LAPD reported.
“Jackson’s white Toyota Camry was also located and recovered as evidence,” police said in a statement.
“Investigation later revealed that nearby surveillance footage showed Jackson exiting his vehicle, a white Toyota Camry, near the victims who were painting out gang graffiti on Vanalden Avenue, north of Parthenia Street,” police said. “Jackson approached the victims on foot and produced a handgun, firing at them multiple times.”
The suspect allegedly used an “Uzi”-type semiautomatic handgun in the shooting, which occurred about 12:30 p.m. Saturday as the 60-year-old victim was working alongside three other men.
The man was pronounced dead at a hospital a short time later. His name was withheld, pending notification of his relatives.
Three other men in the immediate vicinity were also struck by gunfire before the shooter got back into the sedan and sped away northbound on Vanalden. Police said two of the shooting victims underwent surgery and the other was treated and released.
“On behalf of myself and my fellow commissioners I would like to offer our condolences for the loss of innocent life and wish the injured victims a speedy and full recovery,” LA Police Commission President William Briggs II said in a statement Sunday.
“This indiscriminate violence will not be tolerated in the city of Los Angeles. Angelenos will not be terrorized in their homes, businesses or going about their daily activities. The individual involved in this senseless crime will be found and brought to justice, and it is my hope that the district attorney will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” Briggs said.
Police canvassed the area for CCTV video and any possible witnesses.
LAPD Valley Bureau homicide detectives urged anyone with information about the shooting to call them at 818-374-1928 or 877-527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.lacrimestoppers.org.