Two South American nationals were charged with stealing a $1 million watch at gunpoint during an armed robbery at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. The suspects were tracked down to an Airbnb in Exposition Park, where police found a handgun that was registered to former Los Angeles Police Department officer Christopher Dorner. Dorner became infamous after going on a killing spree in 2013, targeting law enforcement officers before taking his own life.
The discovery of Dorner’s handgun raised questions about how the suspects obtained the weapon and whether it was used during the armed robbery. The Homeland Security Investigations, the Beverly Hills Police Department, and the Blythe, California Police Department are conducting an investigation into the case. The suspects, Jamer Mauricio Sepulveda Salazar and Jesus Eduardo Padron Rojas, were arrested after a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Equinox that was linked to another armed robbery in Beverly Hills.
Salazar, a Colombian national, was charged with robbery and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Padron, a Venezuelan national, was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. If found guilty, Salazar could face life in federal prison, while Padron could face up to 20 years. Both men are scheduled for arraignment in September in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Following the armed robbery at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, police executed a search warrant at the Airbnb where the suspects were staying and found Dorner’s handgun hidden inside a pillowcase. The discovery of the weapon raised concerns about its origins and whether it was used during the robbery. The swift actions of law enforcement led to the arrest of the suspects, preventing further harm from occurring.
The case highlights the dangers posed by organized crime groups targeting tourists in the Los Angeles area and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to protect the community. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the need to hold those who undermine public safety accountable for their actions. The investigation into the armed robbery is ongoing, with multiple law enforcement agencies working together to ensure justice is served.
The involvement of former LAPD officer Christopher Dorner’s handgun in the case adds a chilling layer to the armed robbery at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Dorner’s violent history and manifesto seeking revenge against law enforcement officers have resurfaced, prompting questions about the connection between the suspects and the disgruntled cop-turned-killer. The upcoming court proceedings for Salazar and Padron will provide further insights into the details of the armed robbery and the role of Dorner’s firearm in the crime.
