Witness sees one murder, helps prevent more
Sylmar– Thanks to the efforts of a 40-year-old Pacoima man, 25-year-old Juan Carlos Cardenas was arrested February 19th after the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend and the murder of her 61-year-old mother, Rosa Figueroa.
Rosa Figueroa, the murder victim and grandmother of Cardenas' baby son
According to an LAPD press release, the “good Samaritan” was dropping off a friend on Borden Street in Sylmar when he noticed an SUV driving erratically behind him before it pulled into a driveway and two women ran out. The “Samaritan” followed down the driveway and began contacting authorities.
“At that point, everything seemed to calm down, and our witness ended his 9-1-1 call and backed out of the driveway,” said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon. “But the witness departing seemed to prompt Cardenas to resume his attack.”
Cardenas immediately drove his car forward in an attempt to run over Figueroa before exiting the vehicle and chasing her with a pipe. Cardenas struck Figueroa with the pipe before pursuing his ex-girlfriend and Figueroa’s 24-year-old daughter, who had both jumped a fence into the adjoining property. Meanwhile, the witness called 9-1-1 again and described the transpiring events to authorities.
The witness saw the attack at the end of this driveway on Borden Ave in Sylmar
When police arrived, the “Samaritan” pointed out Cardenas, who was “walking casually and out of breath” on the 13300 block of Borden Street. Figueroa was pronounced dead at the scene while the ex-girlfriend is expected to survive after receiving massive fractures to her face. Cardenas and his ex-girlfriend shared a 2-month-old son.
“We have no doubt that the daughter’s life was saved thanks to the good Samaritan’s persistence and willingness to get involved,” said Lt. Vernon.
Before his recent arrest, Cardenas had a history of violent and erratic behavior, which family attributed to his methamphetamine use. Figueroa had already obtained a restraining order before Cardenas’ assault for a previous incident where Cardenas kicked down her door. Cardenas had also served 12 days in jail for previously choking his mother.
“The irony of this tragedy is that Figueroa and her daughter were trying to help Cardenas to a hospital when this fatal rampage occurred,” Lt. Vernon said.
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Gretchen Schultz, Mission Homicide Unit, at (818) 838-9951. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
Read More:
KABC-TV: Woman beaten to death with pipe by daughter’s ex-boyfriend in Sylmar
Daily Bulletin: Woman dies in Sylmar after daughter’s ex-boyfriend beats her with metal pipe, police say
