Homicide detectives said Thursday tips from the public led to the arrest of the man suspected of murdering a Jack in the Box employee during a robbery in October.
Louie Francisco Herrera, 20, was caught January 9 and was being held without bail.
“I’d like to thank everybody that helped capture him,” said Mary Vidal, the mother of Juan Vidal, the man shot to death during the holdup.
“You guys were so helpful to capture this monster that did this to my son,” she said.
Investigators said they now hoped for more assistance from the public to identify a second man - the getaway driver - who was seen speeding away from the murder in a gray Lexus IS-300.
“We still want the driver, we think they have information on who the driver is,” said L.A. County Sheriff’s Department homicide detective Adan Torres.
“We beg that you guys call and give us tips,” he said.
Vidal was 25 years old when he was shot to death October 21, 2016. He was shot in the chest by a robber wearing a Halloween mask and a baseball cap.
Detectives said the murder appeared unprovoked. Security video from inside the restaurant showed Vidal had complied with the robber’s demands.
“There’s clearly a confrontation of sorts, but what actually triggered the discharged of the firearm, other than the intent to fire it, we don’t know what led up to that yet,” said Sheriff’s Capt. Steve Katz.
If you have more information on this case, Sheriff’s Homicide detectives Torres or Carrillo urge you to call them at (323) 890-5500.
— Eric Leonard (@LeonardFiles) in Monterey Park