2 More Held in Fatal Robbery at Restaurant

The final two suspects in a vicious robbery, rape and slaying at a Harbor City restaurant were taken into custody, police said Thursday.

Roderick Lipsey, 24, of Long Beach was arrested Monday, and James Mathews, 19, also of Long Beach, was arrested Tuesday. “Lipsey acknowledged his participation in the robbery, and he’s also currently on parole for another robbery,” said LAPD spokesman Jason Lee.

The third suspect, Jerrell Jones, 22, of Los Angeles, was arrested two days after the crime at the downtown Los Angeles bus station, where he had a ticket to Cincinnati.

The three men are suspected of committing a takeover robbery at the Grinder restaurant in which a female customer was raped, others were pistol-whipped and a cook who was not resisting had his throat slashed and later died.

The suspects burst into the Grinder about 10:30 p.m. and forced four customers and three workers to the floor before assaulting them, police said. During the ordeal, in which some victims were forced to disrobe, two other unsuspecting couples entered the restaurant. They were also attacked and robbed before the gunmen left with about $2,000 and some watches and jewelry taken from the victims.

Lipsey and Mathews both were booked on suspicion of robbery, rape and murder.