A man suspected of killing another man during a traffic rage incident in a West Hollywood parking lot has been charged with murder, prosecutors announced Friday.
Ramon Casas, 48, reportedly knocked 68-year-old Armando Gabriel unconscious after what sheriff’s officials described as a minor traffic collision in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven on West Santa Monica Boulevard. Officers found Gabriel unresponsive on the sidewalk just outside the store when they arrived Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
KCAL News
Prosecutors say Casas fatally attacked Gabriel around 12:43 a.m. that day.
Emergency services rushed Gabriel to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“This tragic and senseless act of violence is a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be destroyed in an instant,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement from his office.
No further details about what led up to the killing have been released by the sheriff and prosecutors.
On Thursday, Casas pleaded not guilty to one count of murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 19.
He remains in custody on $2 million bail and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty of the charges.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. People who wish to remain anonymous may call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
