L.A. Police Seek 2 Suspects in Jewelry Store Robbery

Los Angeles police were continuing their search Sunday for two suspects in a Valentine’s Day jewelry store robbery in Van Nuys in which two other suspects were shot to death by a store clerk, authorities said.

Police have identified the two suspects who were killed but are withholding their names because the investigation is continuing, said Officer Mike Partain, an LAPD spokesman. The 34-year-old woman and 29-year-old man were both from the Los Angeles area, Partain said.

Partain said the two suspects who remained at large were considered armed and dangerous.

The four allegedly robbed the store, Joyeria Segovia on Victory Boulevard near Woodley Avenue, about 1 p.m. Saturday. Two robbers fled with an undetermined amount of jewelry, authorities said.

Nelson Segovia, 39, the store owner’s son-in-law, fatally shot two of the four as they fled the store, police said. Segovia was questioned by detectives Saturday and released, Partain said. The results of the investigation will be turned over to officials in the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, who will determine whether criminal charges will be filed against Segovia, he said.

A handgun that police believe was used in the robbery was found on the pavement between the two bodies.

Police dogs were unable to pick up the scent of the other robbery suspects, described as men in their 20s.

Segovia was working alone in the store when the four entered, police said.

Segovia’s wife, Maria, said Saturday that the store owners have kept a .44-caliber handgun behind the counter since a robbery last year.