Four Individuals Detained Following the Homicide of Security Personnel at an Unlawful Gambling Establishment in California
Four individuals were apprehended on Wednesday for their involvement in the brutal killing of a casino security personnel at an underground gambling establishment in Los Angeles last week. These scoundrels were accused of planning a heist.
The quartet, including Rudy Javier Madrid, 26, Matthew Scott Riley, 29, Michael John Blankenship, 52, and Stephen Hans Dunkel, 23, were reportedly members of a street gang, according to KCAL.
Law enforcement officials revealed that on the night of May 31, Riley and Madrid entered the secluded back area of a hookah lounge placed near Universal Studios in Hollywood Hills. This locale served as an unlawful gambling den, authorities stated.
Cloaked in masks, the pair confronted the security officer Anthony “Barry” Rivas. As he reached for his firearm, one of the duo repeatedly fired at Rivas, police said.
Rivas, a 32-year-old resident of North Hollywood, sustained grievous injuries and tragically perished at the crime scene.
The culprits managed to escape without taking anything from the establishment. The charges against the four were not released promptly. Their court appearance was scheduled for later that day.
Former Dealer Turned Getaway Driver
Preliminary investigations suggest that Dunkel served as the getaway driver for the robbers, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Previously, he was employed as a dealer at the gaming venue, as per KTTV.
Blankenship allegedly acted as a decoy for the criminals, as reported by the LAPD. He entered the lounge with a plan that allowed the back door to remain ajar for the robbers, KCAL reported.
Approximately 30 individuals were within the lounge at the time of the shooting. Many escaped through either the front or rear exits, according to KABC.
California regulates gambling, and licensed commercial casinos do not exist in the state. However, the state does have legal tribal casinos and card rooms.
Suspected in Multiple Casino Robberies
The LAPD’s Valley Homicide team conducted the investigation into the robbery and murder, resulting in the detention of the four suspects.
As of Wednesday, LAPD detectives continued their investigation into the individuals.
The police believe them to be suspects in armed robberies at other such illegal gambling establishments.
Upon searching their homes in California, officers recovered firearms and various weapons, as well as the getaway vehicle. They reside in cities including Glendora, Oxnard, Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley.
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to cover the funeral expenses and other financial obligations of Rivas, who is survived by his wife and two children.
As of Wednesday, the online fundraiser collected $21,309, with a goal of $50,000.
Tributes to the Slain Guard
"Rivas was such an incredible individual with the kindest heart”, one donor, Brenda Paz, who knew Rivas since their high school days, expressed on the fundraising site.
"He took care of his family and loved them deeply... He was always so sweet and considerate. The heavens welcomed another angel."
