2 arrested in high school soccer player’s killing in Winnetka
A 17-year-old El Camino Real High School soccer goalie was targeted for personal reasons by a man and woman who lured him out of his Winnetka home last week, then fatally shot him, authorities said.
At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, police announced the arrests of Elizabeth Ibarra, 19, of the San Fernando Valley and Jason Shumann, 24, of Calabasas. Both suspects are on probation and have extensive criminal records, police said.
Francisco Javier Rodriguez Jr. had just gotten home from a soccer game Jan. 11 when a mysterious redhead knocked on his front door and persuaded him to come outside. After he stepped out of the house, he was almost immediately gunned down by a man in a waiting sport utility vehicle.
“We don’t believe it is gang-related.... We believe it is personally motivated,” said Deputy Chief Jorge Villegas of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Detectives believe that Rodriguez may have been fatally shot over a romantic relationship, sources told The Times. The popular student had no gang ties but may have been involved with a woman with a jealous male friend, sources said. They provided no additional details.
Ibarra has a criminal record that includes forgery, identity theft and assault on a police officer. Shumann’s criminal record includes assault with a deadly weapon, forgery and narcotics possession.
Within hours of the slaying, Rodriguez’s teammates and coaches were at his home, calling upon the community to help find the killers.
A 15-member LAPD task force made the arrests Monday night after tracking down a green Ford Explorer that witnesses saw fleeing the shooting scene.
Police said Tuesday that Ibarra is not a natural redhead, but likely dyed her hair to throw off witnesses and authorities.
An anonymous tip helped authorities make the arrest, police said. But they are asking the tipster to contact them to help confirm the motives in the case.
Los Angeles Times staff writer Alan Zarembo contributed to this report.
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