LOS ANGELES -- A woman suspected of fatally shooting another woman on Skid Row was arrested after being chased by witnesses into the arms of a Los Angele Police Department motorcycle officer.
Michelle Cato, 26, is accused of shooting 46-year-old Sheila Zaldana around 3:35 p.m. Monday in front of the Marshal House on South San Julian Street., according to Lt. Paul Vernon, who heads up the Central Detective Division.
Zaldana died at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center about one hour after the shooting, which occurred in front of her 23-year-old son and dozens of witnesses, Vernon said.
"This appears to be a cold-blooded shooting," Vernon said.
Witnesses, including the woman's son, chased Cato south on San Julian Street, then west on 6th Street, toward the LAPD central station, where a motorcycle officer grabbed and held her.
The witnesses also led detectives to a small-caliber gun, which was lying on the sidewalk along Cato's escape route.
Police say neither Cato, the victim nor her son lived on Skid Row. It's believed they were living in South Los Angeles.
Michelle Cato, who is on parole for a prior narcotics conviction, was booked for murder with no bail, police said.
There's no word on a motive in the shooting.
This shooting is the fifth murder downtown this year, however, homicides have dropped dramatically from previous years, Vernon said.
Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Central Division homicide detectives at (213) 972-1254. Callers can also phone the 24-hour number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Tipsters may text "crimes" with a cell phone. All messages should begin with "LAPD." Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Michelle Cato, 26, is accused of shooting 46-year-old Sheila Zaldana around 3:35 p.m. Monday in front of the Marshal House on South San Julian Street., according to Lt. Paul Vernon, who heads up the Central Detective Division.
Zaldana died at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center about one hour after the shooting, which occurred in front of her 23-year-old son and dozens of witnesses, Vernon said.
"This appears to be a cold-blooded shooting," Vernon said.
Witnesses, including the woman's son, chased Cato south on San Julian Street, then west on 6th Street, toward the LAPD central station, where a motorcycle officer grabbed and held her.
The witnesses also led detectives to a small-caliber gun, which was lying on the sidewalk along Cato's escape route.
Police say neither Cato, the victim nor her son lived on Skid Row. It's believed they were living in South Los Angeles.
Michelle Cato, who is on parole for a prior narcotics conviction, was booked for murder with no bail, police said.
There's no word on a motive in the shooting.
This shooting is the fifth murder downtown this year, however, homicides have dropped dramatically from previous years, Vernon said.
Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Central Division homicide detectives at (213) 972-1254. Callers can also phone the 24-hour number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Tipsters may text "crimes" with a cell phone. All messages should begin with "LAPD." Tipsters may remain anonymous.
