A suspect arrested earlier this month for a fatal shooting during the catalytic converter theft in Inglewood is now facing federal charges for allegedly re-entering the United States after being deported.
Jose Cristian Saravia-Sanchez, 30, of El Salvador, was charged this week with illegal and illegal possession of firearms in the United States, the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles announced Friday.
According to federal criminal lawsuits, Saravia-Sanchez had previously arrested him on June 13, 2013 in the Border Patrol in Texas and ordered him to be sent back to El Salvador.
Police said 48-year-old Juan “Johnny” Sanchez was shot dead in the 1000 block of North Chester Avenue in Ingwood at about 3:22 a.m. on February 25. When police said he tried to prevent two people from stealing their neighbor’s catalytic converter, one of them shot him in the chest.
(Carlos Guzman)
Federal authorities say Saravia Sanchez eventually crossed the border and headed north.
According to a federal complaint, Saravia-Sanchez was imprisoned for 242 days without the owner’s consent after convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court in May 2023.
Homicide detectives at the Inglewood Police Department arrested Saravia-Sanchez and Wilver Alberto Rabanales earlier this month in connection with the February 25 murder of Juan “Johnny” Sanchez. Sanchez tried to prevent two men from stealing their neighbor’s catalytic converter when they stole their neighbor’s catalytic converter and police shot him in the chest.
The suspect was captured on surveillance cameras that fled the golden Toyota Camry with tinted windows and sunroof. Police tracked them in a room at the Bell Manor Motel. The complaint said Ingwood police ordered them to withdraw before 10 p.m. on March 6. La Banales surrendered, but federal authorities say Saravia-Sanchez had an hour-long standoff.
Juan Sanchez’s family has established a memorial at the place where he was murdered.
(KTLA)
The complaint said the officer forced him out of the motel room with a chemical stimulant. Internally, authorities said they found a Ruger .380 caliber pistol in a bathroom trash can.
Family shooting victim Juan Sanchez GoFundMe Sports, As of Friday, that has raised more than $44,500.
“He is the kind of person who always puts others in front of him, the hand that provides help, the ears of hearing or the smile that can brighten even the darkest days.” “His strength, wisdom and generosity are the foundation of his family, and his losses leave gaps that can never be filled.”
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, federal prosecutors have also announced 15 other 15 charges for illegal re-entering the U.S., after many of the previously charged were previously convicted of felony crimes before being removed from office.
According to federal authorities, he was sentenced to up to two years in prison in the United States after his dismissal. Those convicted of felony charges for up to 10 years and if convicted of serious felony charges, they will be dismissed from office after up to 20 years.
Times worker Clara Harter contributed to the report.
