HUNTINGTON PARK : Murder Suspect Escapes From Jail

A gang member accused of murder escaped recently from the Police Department’s holding cell and remains at large.

Roberto Baldemar Aguilar, 19, who is the primary suspect in the 1994 murder of a Huntington Park man, crafted a key out of toilet paper and a piece of metal to free himself from the holding tank May 5 where he was waiting to be booked, said Sgt. William Diers.

Aguilar, who may be armed, is described as a Latino with medium build. He is 5 feet, 11 inches with short black hair, a mustache and brown eyes.

His most noticeable features are two tattoos. On the front of his neck is “F13” and under his right eye he has the letters “GS.” Both tattoos are said to be markers for the Florencia Gang, said Det. John Navarrette.

Anyone with information on the suspect is advised to call (213) 584-6281 during daytime hours and (213) 584-6254 in the evening.

Aguilar has been under a felony warrant issued by the California Youth Authority as a suspect in the murder of Juan Rodriguez in June, 1994.

“We believe the suspect had previously burglarized where the victim lived, and might have murdered (Rodriguez) in retaliation for the previously reported crime,” Navarrette said.

Police are attempting to obtain felony warrants for Aguilar on murder, burglary and escape charges, Navarrette said. Aguilar was spotted at Salt Lake Park during the city’s Cinco de Mayo festivities.

“A foot patrol officer recalled my ‘wanted’ flyer in relation to the murder,” said Navarrette. Aguilar’s “tattoo is very distinct, so the officer called it in.”

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s helicopter assisted in the manhunt, which eventually ended with the suspect’s capture at 1 p.m. Six hours later he had escaped while the jailer went on a dinner break.

The escape is particularly frustrating for new Police Chief Randy Narramore, who had promised to improve a beleaguered Police Department that has suffered from internal conflicts in recent years.

“I’m extremely disappointed,” said Narramore, who has been chief for just over a month. “I’ve asked for an investigation and the possibility of culpability. We are going to correct this so it won’t ever occur again.”

Names of the jailer and officers in charge at the time of the escape were withheld until an investigation is completed.