Cold Case: Searching for “Sharky,” Suspected Shooter of Women

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Irma Gaxiola, 40, mother and grandmother, was killed in her backyard, allegedly by her daughter’s ex-boyfriend four years ago in South-Central Los Angeles, in a case that has sent detectives on a nationwide hunt. They sought the public’s help this week in locating their suspect, Rodolfo Diaz, 28, pictured here, who goes by the nickname ‘Sharky.’

Diaz had dated Gaxiola’s daughter, fathered her child, then hounded her after they split, said LAPD Newton Det. Roger Sandoval.

After a year of conflict, Diaz walked into the family’s home in the 1600 block of East Vernon Avenue on Aug. 22, 2002. ‘You’re not going to be happy,’ he told his ex-girlfriend. Then he walked into the backyard, and allegedly shot both her mother and sister. Gaxiola died of her injuries; the sister survived.

Diaz has more than one alias and connections out of the country and in Chicago, Ill. He is five-foot-five, 140 pounds, and has a tattoo of a heart and the name ‘Miriam’--Gaxiola’s daughter--on his right forearm, and the words ‘Mi Vida Loca’ tattooed on his neck. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Sandoval or Det. Dave Nunn at (323) 846-6556.