Family of victim killed in MacArthur Park speak out

The grieving family of a 28-year-old single father discovered dead, floating face down in the lake at Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park are speaking out after two men were arrested in connection with the homicide. KTLA's Sandra Mitchell reports on June 6, 2024.
Details: ktla.com/news/...
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[@angelramos7543]

He went looking for drugs in the worst place to do so. There is no other reason to go to that horrible park.

[@TheCatD]

Yep sure looks like it unfortunately.

[@frivera735]

An assumption doesn’t mean it’s true

[@juantime9616]

​@@frivera735your delusional. Nothing good goes to Mac Arthur Park. Wake up.

[@marvincruz7803]

@@juantime9616Im good and Ive been to McArthur park 🤔

[@tron1199]

That park was a scary place during the 90’s I’m assuming it still is now, it’s known as a drug market. I think they drained that water years ago and found bodies in there and cleaned it up and re- filled the water .

[@keepit9762]

Came to LA to get clean?… that was his first mistake.

[@massiahofLA]

😂😂😂😂 no for real

[@bottomsupbarmaid1987]

Seriously, this guy probably researched a rehab that had light security measures and easy for him to escape and score.

[@Qeverything411]

Its not just a park in LA. Its MacArthur Park its full of drug addicts. If you go at night your looking for trouble

[@charlieibkiss4068]

Yup you're probably safer at Echo park.

[@Fat12219]

Big problems 😪

[@alvinsavage7701]

This was during daytime hours

[@maddogsenglishmen8020]

Or looking for drugs

[@cobracommander9138]

@@charlieibkiss4068 By far more dangerous than Echo Park.

[@skeptic_solstice]

MacArthur park is a scum of a place. Driven around there multiple times and its the worst

[@maddogsenglishmen8020]

Looks worse than 3rd world slums

[@youonlyliveonce2556]

​​​@@maddogsenglishmen8020Last time I checked on the map , MacArthur Park is located in America 🇺🇸 the greatest country in the world

[@maddogsenglishmen8020]

@@youonlyliveonce2556 major declining nation

[@youonlyliveonce2556]

@@maddogsenglishmen8020 *declined*

[@maddogsenglishmen8020]

@youonlyliveonce2556 nah cos its still in decline so it's declining

[@ribbrascal]

MacArthur Park is absolutely disgusting. I remember running there 4 years ago during lockdown. Sketchy af.

[@musashi-san____1409]

4 years? Try 30. It's been a dump for a long time.

[@ribbrascal]

@@musashi-san____1409 I'll take your word for it because I wasn't running there 30 years ago.

[@musashi-san____1409]

@@ribbrascal Back then you mostly had crack, and coca there. Don't ask me how I know.

[@ed4096]

@@musashi-san____1409 I know too because I was probably out there to score around same time as you. That park is freaking dangerous af... Only reason to go there other than somewhere else is because you got a better deal but that came with a much bigger risk of severe bodily injury.

[@EmmL1223]

Just my assumption, brother came down for drug rehab, relapsed and wanted to score, got into with wrong people and he ended up dead.

[@ICallItAsItIs]

Sounds about right. Probably wanted that last hit before the program started. Decisions decisions!

[@jimfesta8981]

That very well could have happened.

[@taniaacosta688]

Bingo. My first thoughts

[@eds7344]

Unfortunate. But sounds about rite.

[@carolaguilera6911]

👌👍

[@ChristianCampos24]

I’m from L.A. MacArthur park is super sketch. Gang activities, homeless and drugs. Not the safest place to be around. No disrespect but I think he might have been there looking to score some. Deal gone wrong perhaps. Who knows. Condolences to the young gentlemen’s family. Stay safe everybody. God bless.

[@leslienava3076]

I had to go to the Mexican embassy lol 😅 let's say I will not being going alone again ..

[@jamesearl3512]

@@leslienava3076Wht does the Mexican embassy have to do with this murder😂😂 your not to bright😂

[@RC-90605]

You're not your​@@jamesearl3512

[@carolaguilera6911]

Yep same crap in oc.

[@elvisnamikaze3464]

Its right around the corner from the park ​@jamesearl3512

[@purinfluence]

Going to LA to get off drugs ? 🤔

[@scarynorman5397]

Even worse… going to McArthur Park to get drugs? Couldn’t have ended up in a nicer place. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@art4325]

California is a mecca for free stuff. People talk about illegal aliens coming here. We get an influx of homeless and troubled people from all over the country. It has the most generous welfare system in the nation. Women can even come here from states where abortions are illegal and get one for free. Add the good year round weather and you can understand why California has the nation's largest homeless population. Many of California's homeless population never had permanent housing here. They lose their home and apartment in their home state and end up here.

[@AlejandroSovsa]

LA is the worst place to try and get sober

[@solraczevehc3761]

They give drugs away to get new customers so you may be just hanging out and get approached and then that little voice will say take it it’s free

[@Innawor1d]

Yeah like going to Vegas to cure gambling addiction

[@user-ym3dl2cp6h]

Dream Center sounds more like a nightmare

[@user-zo3vu7pv1e]

dream center is a good place they feed anyone who is hungry they give u a job they give u a place to live and try to help u find hope and urself with prayers and good people so don't say things u don't know about the dude went to McCarthor Park were they sell drugs a few miles from dream center

[@ricr7289]

What part of it sounds like a nightmare to you?

[@alexgourdplant]

I live 5 minutes walking from MacArthur Park and saw the white tent and the LAPD investigating the scene. Beyond heartbreaking - deep condolences to Kyle’s family and friends, there are no words. The park is a very dark, demonic place. From time to time you will see the police driving thru but it’s a rare sight and the “activity” that takes place there is largely unchecked and unmonitored. I avoid it (the park) like the plague - an icy, “haunted” feeling comes over me whenever I pass by it and an air of paranoia permeates when you walk through it… which is a shame as it has the potential to be so beautiful. How Los Angeles, my city, has allowed the situation to spiral out of control like this is beyond me.

[@cathylong4031]

Yes, even many many years ago, I went there in the day time, the park scared me.

[@bigbadbubba099]

How? Democrat policies mostly. And rampant gang cartel infiltration due to those policies.

[@2wheel_freedom]

@@cathylong4031 Gen X here, in the 70s as a kid the park was nice well kept /safe place. I remember a little running brook along one of the ends were we splashed and played. Long gone as the park as gone trough many renovations over the decades. Anyways, I would say about the 80s when the Salvadorean population took over along with the Pico / Union area is when we noticed things getting shady. ( civil war ravaged El Salvador, and many fled to the states). Not blaming them just going from memory. PEACE !

[@ed4096]

_"The park is a very dark, demonic place."_ It most definitely was when I was a somewhat frequent visitor there in the 90s... Guess it hasn't changed. That park is freaking dangerous as all hell... which is why the drugs were sold at a bit larger quantities for the same price. Only reason why people would take the big risk to score there.

[@citychic2001]

A"possible homicide" cuh I hate to tell LAPD but this WAS DEFINITELY a homicide.

[@NAT-turners-Revenge]

... Coming to *LOS ANGELES* to get off drugs is like getting a apartment in Amsterdam's red light district to defeat a sex addiction 🙄 Like moving to the southeast side of chicago to escape gang violence.... like moving to alaska to escape the cold..... like like.....

[@Fat12219]

😢

[@JohnHicks-fq2ul]

Like George Floyd saying he's going to change his life.

[@JohnHicks-fq2ul]

Like moving to skid row and say your trying to escape poverty.

[@sctsh1491]

Like moving to an Island to escape the sand...

[@jeremi5834]

Moving to West Hollywood to begin your life as a straight man

[@cobracommander9138]

It's kind of silly to have a drug rehab center where all the patients know they sell any kind of drug they want right outside the center. Or down the street at MacArthur Park.

[@justanothaYTaccount]

How is it a “possible” homicide? He was clearly murdered!

[@jonathanrodriguez6376]

MacArthur Park is beyond disgusting lake to go or to visit there. And such a saddening story for the man who died.😔😔❤️💔🙏🙏🙏

[@TOOMUCHSAUCE91]

No one tried to help? Sounds about Los Angeles... my van was stolen from my driveway by 3 suspects on Ring camera. 3 weeks and no detective yet. Thank you LAPD

[@NAT-turners-Revenge]

Man please... your van is somewhere stripped 😅.... like my car that got stolen in 2016... found 2wks later stripped

[@notagain79]

Those ridiculously high taxes that you pay are hard at work.

[@AlejandroSovsa]

Same thing happened to my Honda

[@rkm5369]

No consequence liberal Da's and Judges will turn your cities in to this.

[@mfy5528]

Can't get enough of you. Hilarious facts,,you keep it 💯

[@VVSdiamond2008]

Going to L.A to get clean is crazy! 👀 I was born in L. A and the best thing my parents did was move me and my siblings out in the early 90s when I was 8. Addiction is a beast, I’m sorry you lost your battle Kyle, R.I.P.

[@rollandcurtis874]

RIP to the 28-Year-old.

[@richardchambers3533]

MacArthur's Park is melting in the dark.

[@sctsh1491]

all the sweet green icing flowing down.... (how can we not?)

[@alicekatie726]

My heart hurts for this family. I pray they find peace and comfort in this hard season.

[@madlyn792]

I can only imagine how many dead people have been found in that lake.

[@cobracommander9138]

Years ago when they drained the lake they found a lot of bodies at the bottom of it.

[@turboduran2531]

​@@cobracommander9138is the lake dangerous how did the person died it's just water how deep is it the water the person couldn't swim

[@sctsh1491]

1978 MacArthur Park became known for violence after 1985 when prostitution, drug dealing, shoot-outs, and the occasional rumored drowning became commonplace, with as many as 30 murders in 1990. When the lake was drained in 1973 and 1978, hundreds of handguns and other firearms were found disposed of in the lake. they say at least one body a year

[@sctsh1491]

@@turboduran2531 you can't swim when you're knocked out cold

[@rkm5369]

​@@cobracommander9138How were they at the bottom, don't most float

[@JohndEdmond-oy9lj]

A drunk man was drowning in MacArthur Lake and all the loafers lying on the grass around the lake, thousands of them, just kept watching it as if it were a tv show. A vagrant asked me if I wanted to see something funny and pointed to where the man was making a futile effort to swim away from the suction of the pumps in the lake. It took me about 5 minutes to run to alert the police who shut off the pumps but all in vain. He died and NOT ONE person at the lake that day, lifted a finger to help.

[@OFFTOPdaP]

That’s McArthur park for you. Unforgiving.

[@TerpnJohn]

Dream center sucks I left my brother there a few years back and not even a day and a half he was mia gone and he turned up same area McArthur Park

[@tamekadavis6641]

My condolences to his family. Rip 🙏🕊️

[@DialloMoore503]

RIP, young man.

[@kennethjohnson6273]

He was excited about getting into the dream center, but once he found out about McArthur park he started chasing the other dream.

[@donkunknown-9vx11I]

"came to la to get clean" oh my..

[@americanpancakelive]

So sorry for this guy's family. MacArthur Park is an absolute hell hole and has been for 30 years.

[@80sCheesyFan]

RIP. So sad. Condolences to the family. But L.A. is the last place you’d want your family member go and get rehabilitated drug help. Just saying.

[@musashi-san____1409]

How the hell does an amateur wrestler get bodied like that?

[@rebelcave8556]

they tag teamed him... and he was using fentanyl at the time

[@musashi-san____1409]

@@rebelcave8556 Still, he was a State champ. Those guys are animals. And I doubt he was fighting athletes.

[@rebelcave8556]

@@musashi-san____1409 His parents and everyone is saying he was at the time a turned druggie.

[@NAT-turners-Revenge]

He didnt appear to be a big guy to start.... maybe in the 5'8-6ft 150lb-170lb range..... given his weakened drugged up state... he was fresh for the ttlaking

[@musashi-san____1409]

@@rebelcave8556 I have no doubt, but those takedown moves are almost ingrained into you when you were at his level. Just odd.

[@LifesLessons100]

He got back on drugs if he was hanging around MacArthur Park and being an out of towner with mental problems... thats bad news. L.A. was probably one of the worst cities to come to rehab

[@morganmadison366]

I remember when MacArthur was safe for families in late 1960s.

[@tron1199]

I heard once that this park was a beautiful spot to go, long time ago. Maybe 1950’s

[@jimfesta8981]

Even back in the 1960s MacArthur Park wasn't a very nice arear. It's only gotten worse from what I understand.

[@Epic.Slots12]

Going to Mc Arthur park for rehab? Sure .. 🤔

[@nuttybar9]

You know some people walk to gather their thoughts.

[@maddogsenglishmen8020]

​@@nuttybar9😄 🤣 😂

[@Thetwins34]

So fresh prince was right about this park? Hmm

[@regcreational6447]

Yeah and it's like 20 min drive from Beverly Hills

[@hellomoto9206]

L.A needs to go full blown Bukele on MacArthur park.

[@albertvan8141]

How is it a possible homicide when they beat him up and throw them in the water?

[@maddogsenglishmen8020]

He was clearly looking for fentanyl

[@bottomsupbarmaid1987]

His sister sounds like an enabler. I’ve not heard of a non violent drug addict especially when fiending.

[@angrychivafan]

Does anyone know if the 2 guys who were arrested homeless?

[@oliviamontano5855]

I learned of this horrible incident last night. Now waiting for the suspects to be identified bc I believe I may know 1 of them? IF it's who I think it is, Edward IS an Illegal Alien from El Salvador!! Yes, he's homeless by "choice " been in and out of jail the last few years. It was beyond me why this guy wasn't deported Last year?!!

[@sickvic13]

Honestly the dream center is shady asf

[@whiqeddik7615]

Nice, rehab looks much different these days but looks like he will be clean for sometime now.

[@wirepaladin4317]

Mcarthur part is a giant open air drug market. Thank you Newsom!

[@adlovedj]

They've been finding people dead in that lake for years 😔😮

[@lisaalvarez6523]

Where is pastor Mathew at the family should speak to him.

[@jesla8529]

Sending someone to LOS ANGELES to “get clean” might of been the dumbest shii I’ve ever heard that’s where all the drugs are

[@ricr7289]

There are plenty of sober and clean people living in LA. If someone wants to get sober, they'll do it no matter where they are.

[@craazyyy_gigi50]

😞🕊 RIP🙏

[@nicholasn6698]

He was at Mac Arthur park ? Hmmm, sounds fishy to me

[@juantime9616]

He was up to no good and messed with his own kind.... losers.

[@MarthaMartinez-vb3bj]

Justice for this guy 🙏😔RIP

[@PuertoRico413]

💔💔💔😢🙏

[@Honeybee-cy9gc]

That place is well known to be trouble.

[@absaloj]

I work around the area, its horrific to hear and see these stories. My heart goes out to the family. Unfortunately the dream center is just a bike ride away from MC Arthur Park, and MC Arthur Park is under resourced and it has become a fentanyl hot bed for addicts to come get high there. Sadly, The police and council members have been stressed out by the people who contantly complain about getting cleaned up! Man this tears me up an an angeleno because the park was not that bad 2 years ago. After the pandemic is went from bad to worst. There are reporters, community activist sending messessages to the city council and the city is slammed with these type of calls. Its not only Los Angeles but also skid row, and other areas around los angeles. Condolences to the family, what a sad time.

[@hectoriraheta7017]

Sad i grew up around the block during the 80s and these events would always happen .been a long time but the ugliness and despair will always surround that park

[@triguer1]

It's beyond common sense how authorities allow the use and dealing of the hardest drugs that you can imagine, from Crack cocaine to meth and heroin, in this park; this is worse than the most outlaw third-world country. Don't get me starter with assaults, rapes, and murder all in one place.

[@alisont.6940]

He decided to pass on the rehab and go buy drugs in MacArthur park. But that doesn't justify killing him.

[@majorphenom1]

Terrible ✅ Prayers out for his loved ones trying to recover from his passing 🕊️ Prayers out for the assailants 🕊️

[@WinstonHill-fy5gc]

Los Angeles is the last place you want to go to if you want to get clean.

[@OJ-xw2oc]

He came to LA to get clean, nah, he knew what he was doing and he knew the dangers, he was not a child

[@notoriousosc1669]

Drug deal gone wrong

[@brega6286]

Dream Center in the middle of LA...dumb location.

[@KrustySnax]

Coming to LA to get clean is a death sentence. Not many make it out.

[@joeknowme7968]

If you’re escaping drugs Los Angeles ain’t the place

[@janblackman6204]

Usual suspects

[@aliciac6908]

that park is truly horrifying I dont even like driving near it, if my car broke down there I would be so freaked out. its filled with drugged out zombies, gangsters, homeless addicts. not even peaceful homeless people, it appears to only be inhabited by the worst of the worst. really sad story.

[@tammanyfields3583]

SAD SO SAD. Dream Center did they throw him out? Usually, once you enter that place you cannot leave.

[@XLNT357]

I won't try and say what I want, or I will be banned for a period of time.

[@arok29]

Why the city don’t clean macarthur park? They did it with echo park and at the same time they can clear all the sidewalks and “house all the homeless” make the city look beautiful

[@aaronmartin6634]

You would need to deport 75% of Los Angeles to even get close to cleaning up LA

[@Shh007]

He was a weak man that was in the wrong place at the wrong time and met the wrong people I lived around that area and let me tell you, it was crazy! Day or night, people will walk by even if you need help. Poor guy, his family should’ve been watching him. When I moved there I made friends with a person but I was quickly told to stop talking to them because they are the ones who look for trouble, I stopped and thank god I did. If you have a loved one who’s struggling with addiction don’t let them out of your sight, they are vulnerable.

[@caring-assoul_]

“Last month he came to LA”? That’s a lie. He was living in MacArthur park for years and was well known amongst the park goer’s and homeless people. Someone is lying here🤨.

[@user-nf9pc8pj6b]

no one in the news asking the obvious question in this situation: why was he in MaCarthur Park to begin with, a known drug hot-spot in L.A. ? I don't think that rehab thing was working for him. Unless you are a druggy or homeless or you love just slumming, you really don't have any business being in MaCarthur Park.

[@MichaelColeman2]

He went to MacArthur park for one thing..... Drug. I avoid driving past this S-hole park.

[@JOHN_F_KENNEDY_DADDY]

Two black men

[@tamekadavis6641]

How you know🤔🙄

[@notagain79]

@@tamekadavis6641 Yeah cause it's never them.

[@JOHN_F_KENNEDY_DADDY]

It’s always them on the news in NYC

[@fofivefella2254]

​@@JOHN_F_KENNEDY_DADDY Hispanics are harmless

[@josuegalvan1978]

MacArthur park is the real life GTA

[@CoolCoolCool89]

He for sure hanged out with the addicts and he pissed someone off. Once they said REHAB CENTER you already know.

[@eacomedy]

In mid-December 2023 I had to walk alone past both MacArthur and Echo Park to catch my bus home from performing comedy. It was around 10:30-10:45 pm on a Saturday night and I'm not sure why I didn't just get a ride-hailing ride, but there I was walking on the peripheral sidewalk of MacArthur. I had on a long dress and my brightest white sneakers I was wearing for the first time. I kept those arctic white shoes in my mind as a protection, like "people will notice how white these shoes are and not want to bother me because I seem so unaffected by the world." I grabbed my long skirt with one hand, kept my head high and just kind of walked through the sidewalk which at that time of night is actually a small tent city. I was pretty terrified, but arrived at the bus stop ok and went home. I can't imagine how much more scary it would be had I been seeking to interact with the people there, and I feel so bad for this man that his final moments were filled with fear and pain. May he rest eternally at peace and may his loved ones know solace. May those who harmed him experience healing and may his life AND DEATH make a difference for the future. 💔💞💔

[@tiburciomendez9670]

26 years old, WTF, was he a baby?????? You choose to live under drugs and therefore you took your own life …,

[@socalbass758]

Drain that pointless lake and build homes for the homeless.

[@markhayes2265]

I went to Amsterdam to get clean. Didn't work!

[@superfly_]

"Ex" druggy at McArthur park = picking up 🤷. He probably caused it while under the influence

[@chinablack]

Sorry sis but your brother was a grown man and we all know why he was there and they just don’t kill customers for no reason, maybe he tried to rip them off or something.

[@crazydaisy1334]

The DA dropping all charges?

[@aaronmartin6634]

He researched the rehab center for the reason .it was easy to find drugs in Los Angeles then another city in the world . Even Mexico city.

[@seewulf2385]

don't do drugs..

[@apv5774]

Mac Arthur park needs to go!

[@2wheel_freedom]

MacAthur Park is a drug hangout with only one real reason for a former drug addict to even think about going there. He might have asked around and was told about McA park how he could score there. I feel bad for saying it but think it's what happened and turned into a drug buy going bad. Rest In Peace.

[@HarshObserver]

Owed somebody some money. … for sure.

[@nuttybar9]

Or maybe they were trying to rob him.

[@HarshObserver]

@@nuttybar9 you know the area ?? I frequent the area. If I was trynna go score some drugs. I’d be there. But I don’t do drugs. I’m at home. Where I’m supposed to be. Not a crackhead park.

[@labased2539]

How did he get beat up, wasn't he a state champ wrestler? He should've been able to dispatch the two attackers.

[@barryaugustine1298]

He should never come hear if your not sober and not a extremely violent offensive type of guy big mistake.i even been shot and almost died at mc g Arthur Park back in 93.

[@DJ-pk9bv]

Sounds like he went Mc Arthur park to look for his fix!

[@domsworld8389]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jacobschannel6331]

My condolences to his family especially to his sister May Our Lord Jesus Christ bring them all comfort and be holding him in his loving arms May Those who. Did this horrific action be punished 🙏

[@PromoCodeLady]

LA SUCKS ALOT. YOU HAVE TO GO IN ON SOME PEOPLE TO GET THEM TO THINK AND REACT IN ORDER TO PROACT.

[@ricr7289]

Typical relapse story. Decided to get clean but soon decided he needed to get high just one more time and didn't make it. No mysteries there.

[@NancyDean-vg4qn]

Yes, worst place to get Sober LA

[@brownandproud1950]

Rip

[@DirtyRiver-qs9ij]

Most of these centers dream center are full of s***

[@Gemini254]

it's crazy how people come to L.A. to follow there dream and get caught up..times outta 10 it was drugs involved

[@TheTetoe]

There are lots of druggies all around Mc Arthur Park. What was he doing at the park. Was he trying to score a fix.