South Bay : SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
The father of a 13-year-old Gardena girl, who claims she was sexually assaulted by a neighbor, has been arrested in the murder of the alleged rapist, police said Tuesday.
Jose Ventura, 45, was booked on suspicion of murder Sunday after he allegedly gunned down Rigoberto Martinez. Ventura’s daughter stated Saturday that Martinez, 35, had raped her at least three times since November, Gardena Sgt. Bob Michaelsen said.
The Venturas filed a police report Saturday. Michaelsen said police made two attempts to arrest Martinez, but he was on vacation with his family. Martinez returned Sunday to the 145th Street triplex where the two families lived and was killed at about 7 p.m., less than an hour after his arrival, police said.
Michaelsen said Ventura allegedly fired five shots from a gun he owned. Martinez died at the scene. Martinez’s brother, Rene, was struck by a bullet but was not seriously injured.
Michaelsen said police plan to conduct a medical evaluation on the 13-year-old for evidence of sexual abuse.
Ventura is scheduled for arraignment today.
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