News reports state that in all, three attackers were arrested within hours of the shooting, which authorities believe occurred as the result of a botched robbery. The three attackers were 16, 18, and 21 and were reportedly on the lookout for someone to rob when they saw the officer sitting in his car.

Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. said that Galvez had just ended his shift when the attack happened, and that he believed the attackers did not know he was a police officer when they attempted to rob him. Corina did not believe Galvez saw the young men coming toward him. The gunshots were heard by another officer who chased the suspects as they fled into Montebello. SWAT officers swept surrounding neighborhoods in their attempt to capture the three men; the getaway driver was arrested a short time later, and a gun found that was believed to be the one used in the shooting.

All three suspected are scheduled to appear in court on charges of murder on Monday, however prosecutors have not yet decided whether the 16-year-old will be charged as an adult.

Located about 10 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, Downey has approximately 110,000 residents.

Murder is the most serious criminal offense a person may be charged with, and could result in life in prison for those found guilty. While authorities believe the three suspects in this case had set out to rob the police officer, there is no way to know at this point if they intended to kill him. Prosecutors must prove every element of a crime in order for the defendant to be found guilty. In the case of first-degree or felony murder, it must be proven beyond a doubt the defendant(s) in a way that is unlawful, deliberate, and premeditated. In the case above, a defendant may be charged with first-degree murder with “special circumstances,” as the person who was murdered was a police officer. Those found guilty of first-degree murder with special circumstances may face the death penalty, or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

While murder is no doubt a heinous crime, there are instances in which someone loses his or her life when the intent was not murder, but something went wrong. Regardless, anyone who is arrested or charged with a homicide offense or any serious criminal offense must work with a skilled and aggressive Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer in order to reach the best possible result, and protect your freedom and future to the greatest extent possible. There are legal options, and in some cases it may be possible to have charges dismissed or reduced so that the damage to the defendant’s life is minimized.

Perhaps you have been wrongly accused, or were involved in circumstances that went horribly wrong. Whatever the situation, consult with a seasoned defense attorney who will review your case, investigate the details, and work to secure the best possible outcome.

Authorities say Perdon fatally stabbed Estes during an argument, and that a dispute had been ongoing that stemmed from the time they spent as roommates. Estes was reportedly stabbed in the early morning hours and was found by police near the intersection at approximately 5:30 a.m., where he succumbed to his injuries. News reports did not reveal details of the ongoing dispute between the two men.

At last report, Perdon was being held in the Long Beach jail on more than $1 million bail.

Murder is the most serious homicide offense a person can be charged with, and leaves the alleged offender facing a minimum of 25 years to a maximum of life in prison if found guilty. Felony or first-degree murder is the deliberate, unlawful, and premeditated killing of another person. In some cases, it is difficult for prosecutors to prove the act was premeditated. This can result in reduced charges, which leaves the defendant facing criminal penalties that are less harsh than those for felony murder. California Penal code section 187 describes murder as “the unlawful killing of a human being or a fetus with malice aforethought.” Malice is one element in any first-degree murder case that prosecutors must prove.

Regardless of the circumstances, anyone who is charged with murder or who is under investigation but has not been charged should consult with an experienced and aggressive Long Beach criminal defense attorney. Every individual has legal rights that must be protected, regardless of the seriousness of the crime. Police and investigators may make mistakes that can work to the defendant’s benefit. The burden of proof is on prosecutors, who must prove every separate element of a particular offense. A defense lawyer’s job is to protect the client’s rights, determine all possible legal options, challenge the prosecutor’s case, and protect the freedom and future of the client to the greatest extent possible.

If you have been charged with any criminal offense or are under investigation, do not hesitate before contacting a highly qualified attorney who will give your case the personal attention you deserve.