By Scott Wasserman Human Services Administrator, Neighborhood and Park Initiatives
On Dec. 27, 2006, 22-year-old Santa Monica resident Miguel Martin was shot and killed in the 2300 block of Pico Boulevard. In response to this incident, City Manager P. Lamont Ewell activated the city’s Crisis Response Team (CRT) to facilitate mental health and support services to individuals and families that were affected by this incident.
The Santa Monica Police Department has increased patrol and enforcement efforts in and around Virginia Avenue Park, as well as the Pico Neighborhood and surrounding area. Detectives continue to investigate the murder. The Santa Monica Police Department is working in conjunction with other local law enforcement agencies, as well as state parole and probation departments. As a result of these increased enforcement efforts, three suspected gang members were arrested on Dec. 30, 2006, for possession of a loaded handgun and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Father Mike Gutierrez of Saint Anne’s Church continues to coordinate support services and funeral arrangements for (Martin’s) family. A viewing is scheduled for 7 p.m. today at Saint Anne’s Church, 2017 Colorado Ave., and a mass and procession to Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. Residents wishing to support the victim’s family may make monetary contributions to Saint Anne’s Church, care of the Miguel Martin Family.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 5, 2007. Read the original PDF.