Two Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Grandfather During Inglewood Catalytic Converter Theft
Suspects Arrested
Inglewood Police Department homicide detectives arrested Wilver Alberto Rabanales, 40, and Jose Christian Saravia Sanchez late Thursday evening after executing a search warrant at a motel in the city of Cudahy. Saravia Sanchez’s age was not disclosed.
Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred at 3:22 a.m. on February 25 on the 1000 block of North Chester Avenue, near East 65th Street, about a block north of Vincent Park. The victim was shot in the chest and later died from his injuries, police said.
Victim Identified
Relatives identified the victim as Juan "Johnny" Sanchez, a husband and father of two who had recently become a grandfather. "Johnny’s greatest joy in life was his family," according to a GoFundMe page established to assist his family. "He leaves behind his beloved wife, two wonderful children, and his precious grandchild, who he adored with all his heart."
Crime Scene Video
Video footage obtained from the scene shows the suspects’ vehicle driving away south on North Chester Avenue, then east on 65th Street.
Arrest and Booking
Rabanales was booked into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Intake and Release Center and remained on $2 million bail, according to the sheriff’s online inmate locator. Information about Saravia Sanchez was not immediately available.
Inglewood Police Circulate Flyer
Inglewood police circulated this flyer in their successful attempt to apprehend the two men suspected of shooting an Inglewood grandfather who saw them trying to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. (Courtesy of the Inglewood Police Department)
Conclusion
The arrests bring closure to the community, but not before leaving a void in the lives of the victim’s loved ones. The incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of catalytic converter theft and the importance of community vigilance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the motive behind the shooting?
A: The motive appears to be related to the attempted theft of a catalytic converter from a parked vehicle.
Q: How did the suspects get away with the crime?
A: The suspects drove away in their vehicle after the shooting.
Q: What is the current status of the suspects?
A: Rabanales was booked into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Intake and Release Center and remains on $2 million bail. Information about Saravia Sanchez is not immediately available.
