LOS ANGELES, CA - Three gang members received long prison sentences for their involvement in the robbery and murder of off-duty Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Fernando Arroyos. The incident occurred in January 2022 when Officer Arroyos was house-hunting with his girlfriend in South Los Angeles.
The defendants, Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, 30; Ernesto Cisneros, 25; and Jesse Contreras, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Rios and Cisneros were each sentenced to 50 years in prison, while Contreras received 35 years.
A fourth person, Haylee Marie Grisham, 21, who was Rios’ girlfriend and a gang associate, also participated in the robbery. She pleaded guilty to a violent crime in aid of racketeering and is scheduled for sentencing in September.
On January 10, 2022, the defendants were looking for someone to rob when they spotted Arroyos wearing gold chains. Rios and Cisneros confronted Arroyos and his girlfriend, pointing guns at them and stealing their valuables.
During the robbery, Arroyos and the gang members exchanged gunfire. Arroyos was shot, ran from the scene, and collapsed in an alley. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
During the sentencing hearing, Arroyos' girlfriend, Angela Mendoza, and other family members spoke about the impact of his death. Mendoza described Arroyos as an exceptional person and urged for the maximum sentences for the defendants.
The incident led to the recovery of a loaded handgun belonging to one of the suspects and the arrest of the wounded Cisneros, who had been shot by Arroyos.
Contreras was found hiding in a nearby garage. Rios and Grisham were arrested later at their home. The gang members had also committed other armed robberies earlier that day.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the harsh sentences aim to bring solace to Arroyos' family and community. Estrada also emphasized the destructive nature of gangs on their communities.
Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva had pushed for federal prosecution to ensure stricter sentencing, opposing local District Attorney George Gascón’s policy of not seeking sentencing enhancements in gang cases. Such enhancements can make the difference between a life sentence with or without parole.
Officer Fernando Arroyos, a 27-year-old LAPD officer, was honored at a funeral service attended by family, city leaders, and law enforcement colleagues. LAPD Chief Michel Moore and Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke about Arroyos' dedication and impact on the community. Arroyos, a UC Berkeley honors graduate, was remembered as a hero who wanted to serve his community.
Two memorials were held to honor Arroyos, with a fundraiser organized to support his family. Arroyos is survived by his parents, girlfriend, grandfather, and stepfather. His mother described him as the best son and a hero for his work in the community.
The defendants, Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, 30; Ernesto Cisneros, 25; and Jesse Contreras, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Rios and Cisneros were each sentenced to 50 years in prison, while Contreras received 35 years.
A fourth person, Haylee Marie Grisham, 21, who was Rios’ girlfriend and a gang associate, also participated in the robbery. She pleaded guilty to a violent crime in aid of racketeering and is scheduled for sentencing in September.
On January 10, 2022, the defendants were looking for someone to rob when they spotted Arroyos wearing gold chains. Rios and Cisneros confronted Arroyos and his girlfriend, pointing guns at them and stealing their valuables.
During the robbery, Arroyos and the gang members exchanged gunfire. Arroyos was shot, ran from the scene, and collapsed in an alley. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
During the sentencing hearing, Arroyos' girlfriend, Angela Mendoza, and other family members spoke about the impact of his death. Mendoza described Arroyos as an exceptional person and urged for the maximum sentences for the defendants.
The incident led to the recovery of a loaded handgun belonging to one of the suspects and the arrest of the wounded Cisneros, who had been shot by Arroyos.
Contreras was found hiding in a nearby garage. Rios and Grisham were arrested later at their home. The gang members had also committed other armed robberies earlier that day.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the harsh sentences aim to bring solace to Arroyos' family and community. Estrada also emphasized the destructive nature of gangs on their communities.
Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva had pushed for federal prosecution to ensure stricter sentencing, opposing local District Attorney George Gascón’s policy of not seeking sentencing enhancements in gang cases. Such enhancements can make the difference between a life sentence with or without parole.
Officer Fernando Arroyos, a 27-year-old LAPD officer, was honored at a funeral service attended by family, city leaders, and law enforcement colleagues. LAPD Chief Michel Moore and Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke about Arroyos' dedication and impact on the community. Arroyos, a UC Berkeley honors graduate, was remembered as a hero who wanted to serve his community.
Two memorials were held to honor Arroyos, with a fundraiser organized to support his family. Arroyos is survived by his parents, girlfriend, grandfather, and stepfather. His mother described him as the best son and a hero for his work in the community.
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