A 27-year-old Inglewood man, Fabian Mendez, has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Santa Monica on January 15, police confirmed on Sunday.
The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) had been searching for the suspect for weeks before taking Mendez into custody on Tuesday. He has been charged with homicide and is being held on $3 million bail.
Details of the Shooting
Date & Time: January 15, 2025, at 1:30 a.m.
Location: 200 block of Broadway near Second Street, Santa Monica
Suspect: Fabian Mendez, 27, from Inglewood
Arrest: Tuesday, February 2025
What Happened?
- A woman was arguing with a homeless man in the area.
- Mendez approached the scene and chased the man into the road.
- He then shot the victim in the back before fleeing northbound into Alley 2.
Authorities launched an intensive search for the suspect, and after weeks of investigation, they identified and arrested Mendez.
Investigation and Arrest
Key points from SMPD’s investigation:
- Surveillance footage and witness statements helped detectives track the suspect.
- Mendez was taken into custody on Tuesday after weeks of searching.
- He was charged with homicide and remains in custody on $3 million bail.
Police have not released details about Mendez’s motive or his connection to the initial altercation.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Santa Monica Police Department detectives at (310) 458-4852.
