Post by Scumhunter on Oct 27, 2015 1:03:41 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: amw.com archives)
Fugitive Profile as of October 27th, 2015: (based on AMW archives, LAPD Crime Stoppers website)
Sex: Male
Race: Hispanic
Date of Birth: 29 (Date of Birth: 3/9/1986)
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 170
Hair (Color, Description, Facial Hair): Black
Eyes: Brown
Last Seen: La Puente , CA
TIPS: Anyone with information on Sanchez's whereabouts should contact Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers: lacrimestoppers.com/wanteds.aspx?SID=13167
So. Calif. Birthday Party Ends In Murder
On Saturday, June 26, 2005, Armando Cortez and five of his close friends planned to celebrate a friend's birthday at a night club in La Puente, Calif. At the last minute one of Armando's friends received an invitation to a backyard party in the neighborhood. The group of friends decided to stop by on the way to the club.
Friends say the last thing any of them expected was a murder.
Cortez was the eldest son of six children who grew up in Chino, Calif. -- a town 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Friends say "Mando" charmed everyone with his great sense of humor --an attribute that made him friends wherever he went. Family members describe Mando as always being the life of the party -- known to entertain guests by singing solo karaoke for hours.
Since graduating from high school, Mando held several jobs but had not yet found a career about which he could be passionate. He began classes at a local community college while working at a safety equipment company. It seemed as though Mando had his whole life ahead of him.
Mando's Heroic Sacrifice
The outdoor party was in full swing when Mando and his friends arrived. Dozens of revelers enjoyed music and drank beer.
However, the fun ended when a guest named Roman Sanchez showed up. Sanchez was short in stature but big on attitude. Witnesses say the 18-year-old looked and acted like a gang banger.
Police tell AMW that Sanchez was at the party with an unidentified older friend who may have been a gang member that Sanchez hoped to impress.
Trouble arose when Sanchez asked Mando where he was from -- a not-so-subtle attempt to find out Mando's gang affiliation. Friends say Mando wasn't in a gang and that Mando told Sanchez he didn't want any trouble. Regardless, Sanchez pulled a gun. After seeing the weapon, Mando and his friends left the party quickly.
The group walked to their cars when one of them realized he’d left his cell phone at the party. As the five buddies waited on the sidewalk, Sanchez walked up and confronted the group.
When one of Mando's buddies stepped forward to try and make peace, Roman allegedly shot him in the neck, according to police. Upon hearing the first gunshot, Mando stepped forward and wrapped his arm around his friend in an attempt to protect him. Police say that's when Sanchez and the unknown cohort opened fire, killing Mando Cortez.
By the end of the deadly altercation, Sanchez allegedly shot two of Mando's friends. While they survived, they have not forgotten that night or their good buddy who heroically stepped forward.
Sanchez has ties to Southern California and could be in Arizona or Mexico.
Thoughts? Sanchez was profiled on the July 10th, 2010 episode of America's Most Wanted. LAPD's Crime Stoppers website is not always up-to-date but as far as I know, Sanchez is still at large. I find this case so senseless. What was Sanchez's motive exactly? To impress an older gang member? That was worth taking a COMPLETELY innocent life. I feel this case is underrated for the sheer stupidity of the alleged motive and shooter.
web.archive.org/web/20100713163828/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=69367#case
www.losangelesregional.crimestoppersweb.com/wanteds.aspx?SID=13167
Admin Note: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form
