Twice-Paroled, Once-Deported Man Held in March Slaying

A man who was deported to Mexico after he was twice paroled early landed in jail again--this time in connection with the shooting death of an Arleta man outside a Panorama City bar last month, Los Angeles Police said Friday.

Idelfonso Lopez, 25, and two others were arguing with Ernesto Reyes, 26, in front of Dohinkey’s Lounge at 8929 Woodley Ave. on March 19 when Lopez went to a car, got a gun and shot Reyes to death, said Det. Stephen Fisk.

Police said records show Lopez was sentenced to state prison in 1992 for two years for possessing drugs for sale but was released early in 1993. He was arrested a second time in January 1994 for the same crime and sentenced to three years in prison, but again received an early release in December 1995, according to police. That time he was deported to Mexico and told to not return, police said.

After the slaying, Lopez moved around to evade police, but finally settled with his wife, Karen McCombs, 46, in Rosamond, where they lived in a mobile home park, Fisk said.

Los Angeles detectives and Kern County sheriff’s deputies served warrants at the home on April 8 and seized two handguns, about $2,500 worth of heroin as well as stereos, car radios, television sets and other merchandise police suspect were stolen.

Lopez, his wife and two others--Joel Garcia, 31, and Enrique Esqueda, 25--were arrested on suspicion of possessing narcotics for sale, Fisk said. Garcia’s and Esqueda’s bail was set at $25,000 each. Lopez and McCombs are being held without bail. Fisk said detectives expect to pursue murder charges against Lopez.