Man Arrested in Fatal Granada Hills Shooting

A suspected gang member has been arrested in the September slaying of a man at a Granada Hills grocery store, authorities said Friday.

Brian Phillips, 25, of Downey is being held without bail at the Twin Towers jail in downtown Los Angeles after he was arrested at his home early Wednesday, police said.

Phillips was due in San Fernando Superior Court on Friday, but his arraignment was postponed until next month.

Los Angeles Police Det. Mike Oppelt said Phillips was one of four men who participated in the killing of 27-year-old Melisio Martinez on Sept. 8 at a Ralphs grocery store.

Police are seeking three other men, including George Navarro, 26, of El Segundo, who is the primary suspect in the case, Oppelt said.

The victim, who was not a gang member, was shot after arguing with the men, police said. At the time of the shooting, Martinez was with his wife and two brothers.

Detectives said Martinez, who was not wearing a shirt, had a tattoo on his chest.

Although the tattoo prompted the four men to ask Martinez if he was affiliated with a gang, police said the tattoo actually depicted a Spanish message of love for his mother.

Authorities said a surveillance camera inside the store and more than a dozen witnesses provided enough information to lead them to Navarro and Phillips.

Police said it was unclear who shot Martinez. Anyone with information has been asked to call Devonshire Division detectives at (818) 756-8291.