Michael Mariscal, Penmar Park Shooting Suspect, Arrested for Murdering Venice High Grads

Categories: Crime

IMG_0599.jpg
News crews pull up to the Penmar Park bleachers where two teens were killed last week.
Updated after the jump: Pacific Division officers and city politicians call community members to Penmar Park to announce the capture of Mariscal, a student from Culver City.

The LAPD has just announced the arrest of 19-year-old Michael Anthony Mariscal for a shooting at Penmar Park last Wednesday that killed two Venice High students on the verge of graduation. Salvador "Junior" Diaz, 18, and Alan Mateo, 19, were killed in the bleachers just before a girls' softball game was set to begin on the field.

Pacific Area Homicide Detectives say Mariscal was arrested at 11 a.m. "He was booked for murder and is being held on $2 million bail," reads the release. Since the beginning, cops believed the shooting to be gang-related.

A community meeting is planned for 7 p.m. at Penmar Park. We'll update from there.

Update, 9:30 p.m.: Diaz and Mateo's families, joined by nearly 100 members of the east Venice community, gathered at a basketball court in Penmar Park to talk about Mariscal's capture, and how crimes like his might be avoided in the future.

IMG_0595.jpg
Memorials for Diaz and Mateo are set up on the bleachers where they were murdered.
"He is the shooter," LAPD Captain Jon Peters announced to the crowd. "He intended to shoot these individuals."

Though family members keep insisting that the Venice High victims had no gang affiliation, Peters maintained that the shooting was at least gang-related on the shooter's end. Mariscal is "a documented gang member," he said.

From there, the conversation turned to the future.

"The opportunity for retaliation is something we take very, very seriously," said Peters. Members of the crowd seemed especially concerned that last Wednesday's shooting might be tied to a previous Memorial Day shooting at Oakwood Park, located about a mile west.

The police captain wouldn't give specific answers as to which gangs might be involved, but murmurs among many Venice residents, and some police officers, are that the Culver City 13 (or Culver City Boys) gang is a main suspect.

In light of the rumors, one woman in the crowd became visibly upset that others seemed to be blindly hunting for someone to blame. And when another man kept pushing officers to tell him how we get these gangsters out of here, she said sharply: "Not everybody black and brown is part of a gang. These kids were skaters."

bill rosendahl penmar park.jpg
Councilman Rosendahl and Diaz' father at the meeting.
There did seem to be a bit of a tension between the families present to mourn Diaz and Mateo's deaths -- mostly lingering at the door -- and those present to express their dismay that something like this could happen in such a nice (read: largely white) Venice community.

"The purpose of this meeting is healing," said L.A. City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl.

The most unifying moment was when Diaz' father stood up, and -- as Rosendahl held out the mic -- described what it's like, as a dad, to see someone you taught "how to walk, how to hit a ball," suddenly just gone.

"I received his graduation picture today," said Diaz, propping the photo at the front of the room. "Look at him -- he was not a gang member."

However, he did describe to Univision reporters outside, in Spanish, how "when they go out the front door, you don't know what they're doing anymore."

[@simone_electra/swilson@laweekly.com]

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83 comments
Aayon26
Aayon26

Michael is innocent and wether they were from venice or not fucc both them bitch as foos cuz they claimed it out side there homes like their dad said at home he didnt show any signs of being afiliated but yet out side of home he doesnt know what his son was involved with so fucc both them punk as niggas !!!

LUSCIOUSBOO01
LUSCIOUSBOO01

FIRST OF ALL YA NEED TO FKN LEARN HOW TO SPELL THEN MAKE YOUR ACCUSATIONS..SMH STUPID PEOPLEFREE MICHAEL!!!

Ghmk
Ghmk

Go on youtube type in culver city gang and u see michael in the video!!!! Tall skinny kid. I went to school with him. He was cool but everybody knew he claimed culver city

SheCuteclassof11
SheCuteclassof11

im glad that they caught the murderer!to get things cleared Alan was Not a Gang memberhe loved Music and Sports Really LOVED his Family!!!really funny Dude and he was really down to earth idk why ppl are saying so many crap about him when its not True! One thing i have to say to Mariscal is Where them CityBoys at you think they give a Fuck that your locked up when they can care less they can recruit some other lame ass fool out there in the streets! No Point in being in a "Gang" you have 2 options Jail or be 6 foot under thats all there is in a gang! Now you have to TASTE the LONG DICK OF THE LAW!! and for Poste's mom oops i mean Michael's i understand that your making yourself believe that your son didnt do it but guess what he Did DO IT! To my boy alan your alive in everyones heart always and will be! oh yeah btw Alan She Cute!!!

Truley VerOnica
Truley VerOnica

Always man ! thats myy primO ! lOve yOuu Micheal <33 sOOn , everything will be Okkay .

Suckitbitxh
Suckitbitxh

Free Michael love you Mannwe all miss you keep your head up you'll be out :)

Truley VerOnica
Truley VerOnica

Micheal is my cousin . I would glady appericate if people kept their thoughts to themselves. If you do not know Micheal than , dont say anthing what u do not know .He is a very caring loveing person. Micheal is inoccent !!! he is not involed with gangs nor did he kill those young  men. Iam very soryy and my heart goes out to the families of both boys , People who think hes gulity , fine its ur opinoin but do not sit here and act like u know the family history. Because in reality u dont know anything , everybody is going by here say and dosent have their facts straight . Micheal will get out and prove those who think wrong. Hes not a killer ! hes just a young man who is getting accsued of a tragedy and who himself has feelings too! Liz hang in there we love you , and no matter what we got Micheals backk all the wayy !!!!

cheongyei
cheongyei

If he's your cousin, how come you can't spell his name??  You misspelled it five times.

Hear'tt Less
Hear'tt Less

Thats what im talking about.!! Real family support.((: Don't worry Vero, He'll be home soon.!! These accusations are ridiculous. As long as they have capital punishment there is no guarantee that innocent people won't be put to death. He'll be out soon though, and i know this because god is on our side and watching over all of us.! I love you Michael and i cant wait till' you return. They can't keep an innocent man forever!!!!!<'3 But what they can do is lockup the REAL murderer and TRULY put the effected families at peace.! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!

LUSCIOUSBOO01
LUSCIOUSBOO01

YA FKN STUPID...FREE MICHAEL

HESCOMINGOUT
HESCOMINGOUT

This is just the beating of the giant fan! they had the guy made up all these evidencee up and all of sudden hes innocentt! haha copsss copss smh!! FREEEE MICHAEL!!

Skyblue22
Skyblue22

Two young boys did not deserve to die the way they did. Say your dad or your mom hung around the wrong crown and did stupid things when they were 17 does that mean your mom or dad deserve to die and get shot?? No ! This whole situation is disguting. These young men could have done somthing great with their lives if they wanted to . They will never reproduce and there familys will never get to hug or see their boys again. It makes me sick to know that someone could raise a monster like that weather it was micheal or not it will be proven in court if it is he deserves to rott in jail. If it isn't I hope he finds a better life for himself. Someone ambushed three boys at a busy park with innocent people around in broad daylight no mask and there is one living witness. All these posts are from micheals friends and family of course they're protecting him. When it is proven they will feel stupid. Bad familys bad influences = bad children.

love u alan &amp; jr
love u alan &amp; jr

THERE IS 3 LIVING WITNESS. AN ALL THAT WERE AT THE PARK. OF COURSE MICHAEL DID IT.

Michaelisinnocent
Michaelisinnocent

These "witnesses" couldnt even describe Michael until the media put all his imformation out there beforee court date people take this in consideration. Now all of sudden the news that showed his information is gone! Uhmm reallyyy?? Lets keep it real we all know the the media and cops and what not are full of drity tricks! Now Michael in jail for someone else Michael is not my family but I know hes inncoent. I feel bad for the guys that died but only god knows why things are the way they are and now they are resting with him. In my honest opion someone set Michael up to this and since hes hispanic and he documented as a gang member easy target for the cops to look like heroes like ALWAYS! I cant wait till hes proven innocent and everyone sees how f*** up the system really iss! Everyone is getting fooled and blinded. These people are just messing Michael's life! Hes young and desvers to be happy! They really need to set him FREE!

Hear'tt Less
Hear'tt Less

EXACTLY.!!!!!!! Of course it is heartbreaking to see that two young men have passed away & believe me, my heart truly goes out to the familes of jr & alan BUT wouldnt uu rather go to sleep at night knowing that the REAL killer has been put behind bars and justice has been truly served.!! NOT AN INNOCENT YOUNG MAN who still has his WHOLE life ahead of him.? i know alan & jr had their whole lives ahead of them also BUT like uu said, only GOD know why things happen the way they do. The cops just randomly picked up the first person they saw & threw him behind bars so they could put the families at "peace" but wat theyre really doing is just covering up for someone elses dirt, and giving the real murderer another chance at killing more innocent people and destroying more families.!!! come on! for crying out loud none of this makes sense.!! in other news reports itsays that the connection between the two boys and michael is unknown.!!!!!!! if that is so tru then why the heck do they have him.!! that just says it for itself right there, he is no way connected to this heinious crime.!!!!!!! SET MICHAEL FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Veniceup
Veniceup

Fuck Michael!

Hear'tt Less
Hear'tt Less

thanks(: we can tell ur very interested in him but uu dont have to broadcast it lol

Truthbtold
Truthbtold

It's sad to see all these lil oaxacans trying to bring back beef to the west side hoods. These two dudes "rest in peace" where living off a legend. They claimed Venice for fame and ended up dying. That sucks but they should of known better. Michael and his homie should of just got down like they had agreed to. Now he's facing the death penalty! They are all screwed.Crazy stupid vatos. Santa Monica had nothing to do with this. There to busy being real g's not poor fantasy gangsters. All of you claiming Michael is innocent stop losing your time. If you shoot two people in broad day light your gonna get caught. Should of at least whore a mask. Dam he screwed! A lot of snitches out there.

Onlygodknos
Onlygodknos

Your probly from Santa Monica Gang! for all we know you could of been the shooter!! Look at you, you know the whole story and you acting like a killer saying the shooter should of wear a mask you would know!! These "snitches" need to stop trying blame Michael this is NONSENSE!!!! The real killer long gone by now but since the cops got michael they sure dont care! why would they? the victums were gang members and hispanics do you ppl really think they care!!? NOO! but only god knows why things happen. Soon Michael will get life back and the killer will continue his life since the system can never do their job RIGHT!

Truthbtold
Truthbtold

It's sad to see all these lil oaxacans trying to bring back beef to the west side hoods. These two dudes "rest in peace" where living off a legend. They claimed Venice for fame and ended up dying. That sucks but they should of known better. Michael and his homie should of just got down like they had agreed to. Now he's facing the death penalty! They are all screwed.Crazy stupid vatos. Santa Monica had nothing to do with this. There to busy being real g's not poor fantasy gangsters. All of you claiming Michael is innocent stop losing your time. If you shoot two people in broad day light your gonna get caught. Should of at least whore a mask. Dam he screwed! A lot of snitches out there.

Youllbeout
Youllbeout

Michael man Iam still in shock that your getting blamed of such a thing. I really hope your name gets clear and your set free. You are way too young to spend the rest of your life in prison for something you did not do. I know the two young men that lifes were taken away were gang members and lately Santa Monica and Venice have been going at itt. I dont mean to disrepect them becasue no one deserves to get murder just like an innocent person doesnt deserves to be in jail. Hope both familys can stay strong and the REAL murder is found. I hope they stop putting fake accusations on you and that you get back to your normal life.

Hear'tt Less
Hear'tt Less

He's gonna be home sooner than we know it.! thanks for the support(:

Hear'tt Less
Hear'tt Less

FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE MICHAEL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hear'tt Less
Hear'tt Less

Michael DID NOT commit this crime.!! i know him and he is a very down-to earth, sweet, caring, level-headed young man.!!!! He would never do something like this. My heart goes out to the families who are mourning BUT my heart also goes out to MICHEAL beacause he is locked up right now while the real murderer is still walking around probably plotting another shooting or worse.!! doesnt anyone have the balls to stand up for wat is right. why have an innocent man pay for the actions of someone else. what the police need to do is get up off their lazy asses &  live up to their title "law enforcement" , catch the REAL murderer & set MICHAEL FREEEEE.!!!!!!!!!!!! sayy all the negative comments uu wish but only god knows & only god sees the truth & he WILL bring michael home.!! because he is INNOCENT!!! hopefully the families of alan & jr can see this & realize that their sons' muderer is still out & walking free.! JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED & MICHAEL WILL BE SET FREE.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CAMSHEEL
CAMSHEEL

were there any who witness the shotting at the game? I fin fact michael did not do the shoottingsomeone saw who did  two lives killed for no REASON.  I hope they find the shooter 

Free michael
Free michael

Alan did back up Venice he would always wear blue and dis other hoods and for bitch ass sal Diaz I fucked his ass up once at a party and that lame was yelling Venice gang the whole time.. no one deserves death but they should of known..WHEN YOU PLAY YOU PAY!!!!!!! Plus the cops been trying to get Michael for a long time already they were just waiting to blame him for anything to lock him up FREE MICHAEL

P.....
P.....

1ST OF ALL HAVE RESPECT FOR THEIR DEATHS... IM SAL'S COUSIN AND TO READ DUMB SHIT LIKE THIS, IS NOT ONLY HURTFULL, BUT POINTLESS... GROW UP AND THINK BEFORE U POST UR COMMENTS,,, I DONT KNOW IF HE KILLED MY COUSIN..... BUT  HE'S IN THERE FOR A REASON... I DONT HAVE ANY ANGER OR HATRED TOWARDS HIM AT ALL.... AS MUCH AS IT KILLS ME KNOWING THAT MY LIL PRIMO IS GONE, THE PAIN THAT MY FAMILY AND I R GOING THROU.... I WOULDN'T WANT ANYONE TO FEEL.... AS MUCH AS THEY HURT US..... THEREFORE PLEASE DONT POST SHIT LIKE THAT..... AND I HOPE U'LL REALIZE HOW DUMB U LOOK..... 

KAT
KAT

Screw you!! And way to be stupid and make that comment! go back to school your English is horrible!!! And don't be jealous i'm sure sal screwed your girl and now you are all bothered!! Get over it "when you play you play" makes no sense! Dummy what are we playing... WOW i can tell you never graduated and if so i'm sure it was a mistake !

love u alan &amp; jr
love u alan &amp; jr

thats a fuckin lie. only bc someone wears blue it means ur from venice wooow really hears urself. sal wasnt from venice either. all u guys say there piks lets see them. wat were alan's an sal's hood names huh? they didnt hasve one bc THEY DIDNT BANG

Free Michael&lt;3
Free Michael&lt;3

I went to school with Alan from pre-k to 6th then reunited in high school. He was definatley a gang banger. I hope he rests in peace but I also know Michael is innocent. Everyone knows to stay in after a murder because the suspect description is male latino. Bald head. Hello!!!! Can we get some evidence instead of i.d.'s from unreliable witnesses who are obviously up to no good. The media plays up pennmar park to be a safe family park. Maybe some one should wait til the sun goes down then see what kind of crowd forms. This is not the first shooting at this park.

strongerthanyou.
strongerthanyou.

Just cuz Alan and Sal went to venice doesnt mean they were affilaited with Venice so dont judge just cuz of the pics u guys see. Plus like seriously if u really think bout it..why would they randomly go into michael's house and just take him? when there is sooo other gang members out there. idk but to me this sounds weird. and plus i went to elementary with Alan and he was my old bestfriend's cousin, and from what she told me she said there was a witness that saw michael, lets just hope that justice is served and that the right person responsible for this crime gets their punishment. lets not forget though that Culver and Venice dont mix.

Dawg
Dawg

im 13. Once i played with Alan at the park. He was so funny. I knew he was in a gang but he got in on accident and he coulnt get out after.

Ogwestsider
Ogwestsider

Santa Monica had nothing to do with this. Gang tactics are to blame another hood to throw off police. Many are saying the victims were not from Venice cause gang members don't act or look how they used to. Fact of the matter is someone snitched out shooter and there are multiple witness that will testify it was him.

Valeree GeeBoo
Valeree GeeBoo

im soo glad they found the guy that shoot them...now the Diaz family can feel relieved knowing that the guy who did this is behind bars...R.I.P Salvador Diaz!! <3

LUSCIOUSBOO01
LUSCIOUSBOO01

OOOHH THEYVE CAPTURED THE "MURDERER" IS DT GUNA BRING HIM (SAL) BAK...NNNOOO!!!!

Valerym18
Valerym18

im so happy the found the guy !!!

Destiny Grace
Destiny Grace

I knew Junior and Alan and they were definitely not gang-members. R.I.P. ='(

Elvia
Elvia

I knew Michael I cant belive he's being accused for some shit like this he dont deserve this when I heard that the police had got him n that they were accusing him for the shooting n the murders I couldn't belive it this some bs FREEE MICHAEL..

Lijkhk
Lijkhk

Seriously, the whole Mariscal family is a bunch of SCUMBAGS!!! The other brother is in jail for killing someone too!! They definetly have the right person in custody!!!

Rocioarteago
Rocioarteago

Noo they don't and your a scumbagg you dumbass

KAT
KAT

Scumbagg?? learn how to spell and associating scumbag and dumbass are two different things go back to school

Jazmine
Jazmine

Free Michael we love youyou'll be out soon

Ccridarz
Ccridarz

Free Michael keep your head up my boy you'll be out soon fuck the haters & to michaels mom your son is innocent and I'm here to back up your son we will do anything in our Power to try to help him

Lijkhk
Lijkhk

Seriously, the whole Mariscal family is a bunch of SCUMBAGS!!! The other brother is in jail for killing someone too!! They definetly have the right person in custody!!!

Lizz
Lizz

Don't worry about his brother worry about yourself if you didn't know any of these people why you all up in the buisness for ignorant people these days talk out there ass free Michael mariscal

JustTheTruth
JustTheTruth

She's definitely right "that the Santa Monica gang has openly taken responsibility for the shootings/murders at Penmar Park on Wednesday, June 22, 2011." and that "Santa Monica and Venice gangs are currently feuding with one another." Another thing correct on here is "Those boys were Venice boys there's pics to prove it."

love u alan &amp; jr
love u alan &amp; jr

there is no fuckin piks to prove it. they didnt even hang out wit them. only bc they kiked in venice doesnt mean there were from venice. get shiit right.

CCPD
CCPD

Its funny how you are saying that they aren't from venice and they didn't hangout with anyone from venice when a friend of mine that was really close to alan told me that he did hangout with them. I don't think my coworker would lie. So stop saying that they didn't hangout with them because they clearly did.

KAT
KAT

CCPD you are just talking out of your ASS i cant say much about alan BUT sal was in noooo such thing.. stop with your bs you are just sounding dumb!

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