Arrest made in connection to deadly shooting of South LA Taco Bell worker
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department says an arrest has been made in the case of the deadly shooting at a South Los Angeles Taco Bell.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office identified the suspect as Jonathan Madden, 39. He has been charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder and his arraignment is set for Wednesday afternoon.
The development comes as a vigil for 41-year-old Alejandro Garcia, the employee who was shot by a customer in a drive-through at the South Avalon Boulevard location, was held Tuesday night. During Tuesday night's event, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said a man has been arrested in connection to Garcia's death.
The deadly shooting reportedly stemmed from a dispute involving a fake $20 bill. Garcia was shot and killed in front of his son, FOX 11 reported Monday.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Community in disbelief after Taco Bell worker shot to death by customer
- Taco Bell employee shot dead at South LA restaurant's drive-through window
More information is expected to be released later Tuesday night, FOX 11's crew reports from the vigil.
Chief Michel Moore said the Taco Bell restaurant staff cooperated with their investigation, helping lead them to the person police believe is responsible for the murder. Moore said the suspect is now being held on a $2 million bond.
Get your top stories delivered daily! Sign up for FOX 11’s Fast 5 newsletter. And, get breaking news alerts in the FOX 11 News app. Download for iOS or Android.
Carlos Garcia, the 19-year-old son who witnessed his father's shooting, spoke with FOX 11 through tears during Tuesday night's vigil.
"If you have a father that's still here, tell them you love him and hug them because with my dad, I never told him anything. The day that it [the shooting] happened, that was the only hug I ever gave him," said Carlos.
Carlos said his father worked hard to provide everything for their family.
"I hope that one day I'm just like him. He put our family first for everything," said Carlos.
As for the suspect arrested for the shooting, Carlos said he wanted the suspect to know he took a loving father.
"He [suspect] had to take someone that I really loved and I considered my best friend. He wasn't just a father. He was my best friend too," said Carlos.
Alejandro's youngest brother, Luis Garcia, also spoke at the vigil about his brother.
"I don't have kids myself but he was the best father and I wish I could be like him. I'm just speechless that this occurred," said Luis.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help the grieving family.
Tune in to FOX 11 Los Angeles for the latest Southern California news.