Man in alleged murder-suicide is identified

Colleagues and friends of the man involved in the alleged murder-suicide last week in La Cañada identified him Monday as Aaron Welch, an auto mechanic, tow-truck driver and longtime La Crescenta resident.

The bodies of Welch and 39-year-old Genny Herrera were discovered by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies in the front room of an apartment in the 4500 block of Lasheart Drive shortly after 11 a.m. Friday.

Sheriff’s homicide Det. Steve Lankford said it appeared the man fatally shot Herrera, and then fatally shot himself. A handgun was found on the floor near the bodies, he added.

What relationship, if any, existed between Welch and Herrera is unclear. Herrera’s sister-in-law, Gabriela Herrera, who was at the apartment Monday packing up personal items, said she knew nothing about the alleged shooter.

Jacci Present, who operates Crescenta Valley Tow in La Crescenta, said she employed Welch on and off for 10 years. Present said she received a phone call from the Sheriff’s Department early Friday afternoon notifying her of the incident and asking for personal contact information.

Present described Welch as a hard worker and an excellent mechanic. But when it came to his personal life, Welch often told conflicting stories, Present said.

He was inconsistent on his date of birth and identities of his children, and offered limited insight into his personal affairs, Present said.

Still, the possibility that he was involved in such a violent event was shocking, she said.

“[This incident shows] what a mystery he really is,” she said.

John Gardner, co-owner of Two Nice Guys Automotive in La Crescenta, said he had known Welch personally and professionally for many years.

“He always wanted to have a good time, a friendly person,” Gardner said.