Reward Offered in Valentine’s Day Killing

Hoping to get the public’s help in finding an alleged local gang member turned killer, the Los Angeles City Council issued a $25,000 reward for him in connection with the Valentine’s Day slaying of a 27-year-old man in Pacoima.

At an announcement of the reward at the Foothill police station Tuesday morning, LAPD investigating officer Patty Ferguson stood with the grieving family of Carl Randle and pleaded with residents to help officers locate Dwayne Lukas, the man police believe killed Randle.

Family members said Randle, a construction worker, was walking in the 10900 block of Jamie Avenue in Pacoima on Feb. 14 at about 4 p.m. when he and Lukas got into an argument. Ferguson said witnesses reported seeing Lukas shoot Randle several times before fleeing on foot. Randle died at the scene, which was just a few blocks from his mother’s home.

Since the shooting, detectives have repeatedly tried to catch Lukas at his home and at his other known hangout spots.

“We still think he is in the area,” Ferguson said. “And we know there are some people out there who know where he’s at.”

Conrad Johnson, Randle’s uncle, said his nephew’s death obviously struck a chord with City Councilman Richard Alarcon, who pushed for the reward. “To lose a nephew this way is devastating,” Johnson said. “But at least they are still pursuing the case.” Police said the case is no different than other homicides in the city, except that it happened in broad daylight.

“It’s not an unusual case,” said Lt. Joseph Garcia, commanding officer of Foothill detectives. “But it’s just like walking down the street and somebody pulls a gun out on you.”

Randle’s sister, Nancy Holliday, said she thinks her brother’s killing was perhaps an indication that the violence is getting worse in society.

“A lot of senseless things are taking place nowadays,” Holliday said. “He was a pretty young guy and he was just a few blocks from home. I guess it’s just a sign of the times.”

Anyone with information may call Det. Ferguson at (818) 834-3115 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or the Foothill watch commander at (818) 756-8861.