Stepson Held After Man Is Slain During Argument

A 15-year-old boy shot and killed his 22-year-old stepfather after the man argued with the teenager’s mother at her home, police said Thursday

The youth, whose name was withheld because of his age, was arrested at the scene of the shooting in the 4500 block of Orchard Avenue. He was held for investigation of murder in the Wednesday slaying of Julio Andino, Los Angeles Police Det. Richard Marks said.

Police say Andino had telephoned his wife, Maria Ortiz, earlier Wednesday to say he would be coming over.

“Since Andino had been physically abusive toward Ortiz in the past, and anticipating a recurrence . . . [her son] armed himself at about 6 p.m. with a revolver,” Marks said.

When Andino arrived at the house, Ortiz met him in the front yard, where they began arguing, according to Marks. Ortiz’s son followed his mother outside and joined the argument, Marks said. Andino threw a punch but missed the woman and her son, the detective said.

“In reaction, [the boy] drew the revolver and fired several shots at Andino, who staggered down the driveway and collapsed in the street,” Marks said.