VAN NUYS : Man, Girlfriend Held in Slaying
An off-duty security guard and his girlfriend were arrested in Van Nuys on suspicion of murder after he shot and killed a landscaper during an argument over a debt, Los Angeles police said Monday.
Kenneth Woods, 22, and Kelly McCutcheon, 20, were being held without bail in connection with the death of Jose Rubalcava, 20, who died shortly after he was shot about 4 p.m. Sunday, Detective Stephen Fisk said.
According to police, Woods and Rubalcava argued earlier in the day. Woods reportedly went to his Van Nuys home, changed into his security guard uniform and returned to Rubalcava’s landscaping business in the 15800 block of Hartland Street.
Police did not know what prompted the argument, but a witness said Woods contended that Rubalcava owed him money, according to Fisk.
Upon returning, Woods reportedly tried to arrest Rubalcava, who grabbed the guard’s nightstick. Woods then drew his handgun and shot Rubalcava once in the upper torso, Fisk said. He died a few minutes later.
Woods worked for a Van Nuys security company, but was not on duty at the time of the shooting, according to police and a manager at the firm.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
