Montebello homicide suspect arrested for allegedly ambushing, killing victim

MONTEBELLO, Calif. (KABC) -- Montebello police announced Wednesday the arrest of a murder suspect accused of shooting a man to death after arranging to meet him to buy a gold chain.

The shooting occurred about 6:30 p.m. Monday in the 1600 block of Neil Armstrong Avenue, according to officials. Brian Lee Gomez, 28, of Lynwood died at the scene.

Police said at a morning news conference Sean Mathew Garcia, 25, was arrested at his Montebello home Tuesday night on suspicion of murder.

Garcia allegedly ambushed Gomez after arranging to meet him via a website called OfferUp to buy the $2,000 chain. Police said Garcia had hidden an assault rifle in bushes near the scene. The suspect tried to steal the chain when he grabbed the weapon, shot Gomez and fled, according to authorities.

Police released surveillance video of the suspect brandishing the assault rifle and running through the parking lot of a residential complex toward the victim who tried to flee in his car.

"The victim was just somebody trying to sell a piece of property he had to make a little bit of money," said Chief Kevin McClure of the Montebello Police Department.

According to investigators, the two men communicated several times before agreeing to meet.

Police said Garcia's intention was never to purchase the chain, but to rob the victim of his property.

Gomez's wife was with him during the incident and witnessed the crime unfold.

Authorities discovered evidence at Garcia's home that suggest he robbed more victims. Police have identified one other robbery victim and are crediting the OfferUp website for their help in the investigation.

Anyone with information on previous incidents was urged to contact Montebello police.