LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Hundreds of mourners gathered today for the funeral service of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Fernando Arroyos, who was shot to death last month while off duty.
The service at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills began at about 10 a.m. at the Hall of Liberty Mosaic Deck, where the flag-draped coffin was brought to the front of the outdoor setting as bagpipes played in the background.
Arroyos, 27, was gunned down during a robbery at 9:15 p.m. on Jan. 10 in the 8700 block of Beach Street in the unincorporated Florence-Firestone neighborhood. Authorities said he was targeted while he was house-hunting with his girlfriend.
Arroyos is survived by his mother, father, girlfriend, grandfather and stepfather.
Among the mourners who joined the family Wednesday morning were LAPD Chief Michel Moore, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
``We are gathered here today in this beautiful setting overlooking the San Fernando Valley to grieve our loss, as well as to honor the life of Los Angeles Police Officer Fernando Uriel Arroyos -- a young officer who held such promise for this city, who was just beginning his career as a police officer in this Los Angeles Police Department, when he was suddenly, violently, and senselessly taken from us in a murderous act of violence for a few silver chains,'' Moore said.
``He was well-respected, and loved by many,'' the chief continued. ``From those who knew him best, I am told Fernando was disarming in his humility and willingness to help at a moment's notice. ... Officer Arroyos strived to serve with purpose and dedication.''
Moore thanked the sheriff's department for its investigation into Arroyos' killing, and he recognized the presence at the funeral service of the four sheriff's deputies who responded to the scene of the crime and brought the mortally wounded officer to the hospital.
Garcetti also addressed the gathering.
``We've lost an angel in this City of Angels,'' Garcetti said. ``We've lost somebody whose chapter is now written here -- and what a chapter it was. ... God has called Fernando home.''
Following the 90-plus-minute service, the casket was escorted from the outdoor service area, followed by family and colleagues of the slain officer.
On Jan. 27, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against three alleged gang members and one associate for the crime. The three men and the 18- year-old girlfriend of one defendant were charged with violating a federal racketeering statute.
Charged with violent crime in aid of racketeering to increase and maintain position within the Latino gang based in South Los Angeles were:
-- Luis Alfredo De La Rosa ``Lil J'' Rios, 29
-- Ernesto ``Gonzo'' Cisneros, 22
-- Jesse ``Skinny Jack'' Contreras, 34
-- Haylee Marie Grisham, 18, Rios' girlfriend.
Rios and Contreras are set to be arraigned on Thursday, Grisham on Monday, and Cisneros on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles federal court.
According to a complaint filed Jan. 13 by FBI Special Agent Seamus Kane, Rios admitted his involvement in the killing in an interview with Los Angeles County sheriff's detectives, saying he and the other defendants were driving around looking to ``make money,'' which he further explained meant to rob a person of property or money.
Arroyos suffered a single gunshot wound, ran from the area and collapsed in an alley. Responding deputies found bystanders performing CPR on Arroyos. The deputies loaded him into a patrol car and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.