 Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor AZUSA - A man was found dead inside a motel room Sunday afternoon. The cause has not been determined yet, but investigators believe nothing suspicious led to the man’s death, according to the Azusa Police Department. First responders were sent to the Super 8 by Wyndham, 117 N. Azusa Ave., around 2 p.m. November 2. It is not immediately clear how long the man, identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner as 48-year-old Walnut Creek resident Pavle Males, was in the room before being discovered. The cause of death has been deferred, pending additional investigation. The Los Angeles County Fire Department called in their Health Hazmat unit to the scene and spent several hours on site while police and medical examiner investigators worked as well. ********** The death record in this article is being redistributed by SGV CityWatch and is protected by constitutional, publishing and other legal rights. Information about the decedent(s), including cause and manner of death, is public record and was distributed by government sources. Copyright 2025. All stories and original images published here are the exclusive property of SGV CityWatch and may not be republished in any form without the permission of this organization.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor AZUSA - The driver of a gray Honda Civic possibly passed out behind the wheel before crashing head-on into a tree on the shoulder of the west 210 freeway Saturday. The crash happened near the Vernon Avenue on ramp just before 3:30 p.m. August 23. Witnesses reported the driver may have passed out, causing the vehicle to swerve across all lanes before slamming into the tree, according to California Highway Patrol traffic logs. As of 5:29 p.m., the county medical examiner had to estimated time of arrival to the scene. ********** Copyright 2025. All stories and original images published here are the exclusive property of SGV CityWatch and may not be republished in any form without the permission of this organization.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor LOS ANGELES - A fire fighter paramedic last stationed in the city of Azusa died Friday, August 15, the Los Angeles County Fire Department announced. Jerry W. Guzman was last assigned to Fire Station 32 and served the community for 23 years, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. “To ensure the proper care and support of the Guzman family and our LACoFD personnel, Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone has activated the Department’s chaplains, Peer Support team, behavioral health clinicians, and Memorial Management team,” according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department in a written statement. The department did not provide details on where or how Guzman died. ********** Copyright 2025. All stories and original images published here are the exclusive property of SGV CityWatch and may not be republished in any form without the permission of this organization.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor LOS ANGELES - A jury convicted a man July 1 in the fentanyl death of a victim who died minutes after being sold the drug on a Metro train. Shane Christopher Brown, 37, a Los Angeles County man, was found guilty after a five-day of one count of distribution of fentanyl, resulting in death, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Security cameras caught the entire incident on the evening of January 16, 2023. Brown distributed the highly potent synthetic opioid while riding the Metro A Line train in Azusa. The victim died within 10 minutes of ingesting the drug. He collapsed at the Azusa downtown station. Brown was tracked down and arrested in the city of Glendora in March 2023. “Toxicology results revealed that fentanyl was the only illicit substance in the victim’s blood and his death was subsequently attributed to the effects of fentanyl, according to court documents,” according to the DEA in a written statement. A sentencing hearing date has yet to be announced. Brown faces 20 years to life in federal prison.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor AZUSA - All lanes of the eastbound 210 freeway at the Azusa Avenue overpass are temporarily closed after a fatal crash Tuesday evening. Initial reports indicate a motorcycle collided with a black Tesla Cyber Truck around 6:09 p.m. July 15. The collision is taking up the No. 1 and HOV lanes, according to the California Highway Patrol. It is unclear if there were any other injuries.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor AZUSA - Homicide detectives announced the arrest of a man accused of murdering his parents inside their Azusa home. Gabriel Contreras, a 29-year-old Azusa man, allegedly committed the March 15 murder of parents Linda Rodriguez and Arthur Contreras. Gabriel Contreras was arrested March 19 and booked at the Azusa Police Department jail. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office officially filed two counts each of murder and assault with a firearm, according to the Sheriff’s Department, although the cause of death for both parents was the result of “multiple sharp force injuries,” according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Contreras is being held in lieu of $2 million bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles ahead of a scheduled appearance in Pomona Superior Court Friday, March 21. A gofundme was established to help with funeral costs and living expenses for those left behind. ********** The arrest record in this article is being redistributed by SGV CityWatch and is protected by constitutional, publishing and other legal rights. Arrest information is public record and was distributed by government sources. The person named in this article has only been arrested on suspicion of the crime(s) listed and is presumed innocent.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor UPDATE, 9:02 p.m.: One person remains hospitalized in critical condition suffering from apparent knife wounds after emerging from a home, the scene of a double homicide Saturday. Police initially responded to the home in the 300 block of North Twintree Avenue around 2 p.m. Police dispatchers were told of a possible domestic fight and the sound of screaming. “Officers made entry to the location and discovered a male adult and female adult suffering from numerous apparent knife wounds. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the individuals in the home deceased,” according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in a written statement. A suspect was identified, investigators said, but haven’t clearly stated if the suspect was the man currently hospitalized. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Remain anonymous by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org. PREVIOUS - A man and woman were killed at a residence Saturday. The deaths occurred in the 300 block of North Twintree Avenue March 15. First responders were sent to the scene around 2 p.m. While the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide detectives haven’t revealed much else, this was potentially also a barricade situation. One person, potentially the suspect, may have been transported from the scene. A dramatic photo sent to SGV CityWatch showing Azusa Police officers with weapons aimed at the home.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor AZUSA - The community is grappling with the shocking and senseless death of an aspiring 17-year-old athlete, artist and cheerleader who was murdered Friday night. Angelina Gonzales was identified by school officials and family members in the hours after her death. Gonzales was stabbed in the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue December 20. She died at a hospital. The 18-year-old suspect is in custody, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “Angelina was an exceptional young woman whose talents and energy touched the lives of so many around her,” according to a statement from the Azusa Unified School District. “Angelina was a bright light in the classroom and a dedicated member of the cheer squad and wrestling team, where she demonstrated incredible spirit and determination.” In June, Gonzales earned first place recognition in the Congressional Art Competition. Her work is currently displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Her artwork also won the Judge’s Choice Award in 2022. Angelina was headed for college after graduation. Her family and friends have the arduous task of grieving over her death while attempting to pick up the pieces and move forward with celebrating her life. “Angelina was so much more than her achievements. She was a light in all our lives—a kind, loving, and vibrant soul who brought joy, laughter, and love wherever she went. Her smile lit up every room, and her determination inspired everyone around her. She had big dreams, a big heart, and an even bigger impact on her family, friends, and community,” according to a statement published on the family’s gofundme page. >>DONATE HERE The Azusa Unified School District is offering social-emotional support district families through Care Solace. >>ACCESS RESOURCES HERE The Suspected murderer, 18-year-old Daniel Rodriguez, was arrested December 21 and remains in custody in the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles. He is being held in lieu of $2 million bail ahead of a scheduled appearance in West Covina Superior Court December 24.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor AZUSA - Investigators announced the arrest of a man accused of stabbing to death a 17-year-old girl in Azusa. The 18-year-old suspect is an Azusa resident and acquaintance of the teen, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The suspect’s name is not readily available. Azusa Police officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call around 10 p.m. in the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue December 20. The 17-year-old victim was transported to a hospital for treatment where she died. The circumstances leading to the suspect’s arrest have not been disclosed.  Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor AZUSA - A woman discovered suffering from stab wounds died after she was taken to a hospital Friday night. The wounded woman was found in the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue around 10 p.m. December 20. First responders were sent to the location on a reported assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. It is unclear if homicide detectives have identified a suspect, or a motive for the stabbing. Anyone with information on this stabbing is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Remain anonymous by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org. |
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