2 Suspects Released in Redondo Beach Fatal Shooting

Two people arrested in the slaying of a man in Redondo Beach were released from custody Tuesday because charges were not filed within 48 hours, but investigators still believe they were involved in the crime, along with a third suspect who remains at large, a police captain said.

Police on Monday announced the arrests of Eduardo Antonio Losa, 42, of Lomita, and Shelby Ann Johnston, 29.

Losa, an alleged NSR-13 gang member with a lengthy criminal history, had been booked on suspicion of murdering Bobby Darren Reynolds, and Johnston, who lives with Losa, was booked on suspicion of being an accessory to murder.

Both were released about 7 this morning, because charges were not filed against them within 48 hours, Redondo Beach police Capt. Jeff Hink confirmed.

"We still believe they were involved in the crime, but investigators need more time to put together the case," Hink said.

Meanwhile, Erick Ortega, 27, who was initially described by police as a "person of interest" in the killing, is now being sought as a suspect, according to Hink, who said Ortega has prior arrests for robbery and narcotics and is a documented NSR-13 gang member.

Reynolds, a 38-year-old married father, was shot multiple times near the intersection of Lilienthal and Ralson lanes about 8 p.m. Friday and died at a hospital. The following day, police announced they wanted to talk to Ortega.

Hink said it was unclear why Reynolds was targeted. After the shooting, witnesses reported that the gunman jumped into the passenger seat of a waiting Chrysler 300 that took off at a high rate of speed.

A vehicle matching the description of the getaway car was found abandoned in the 2600 block of Spreckels Lane within minutes of the crime, Hink said. Ortega—a South Bay native—is the registered owner of the Chrysler 300, according to police, who said Ortega should be considered armed and dangerous.

A tow truck driver Friday night told Patch that he was dispatched to the area to pick up the Chrysler 300. When he arrived at the vehicle, it was already surrounded by police tape, he said.

According to the tow truck driver, he had instructions to pick up the vehicle and tow it to the 25900 block of Oak Street in Lomita where a woman named Shelby Johnston was supposed to meet the tow truck and the Chrysler. The tow truck driver showed his dispatch screen to Patch, which confirmed the details. 

Officers later served a search warrant at the Oak Street address, which police said was Ortega's residence.

Hink on Monday would not comment on Johnston's alleged involvement in the murder, nor would he comment further on why Ortega's vehicle was abandoned only a few blocks from the crime scene. Hink also would not comment on why a tow truck was dispatched to pick up Ortega's vehicle.

The NSR-13 gang, also known as RB-13 or North Side Redondo, was a public safety threat during the 1990s; however, gang activity has since quieted down.

Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call 310-379-2477 or 310-937-6685, or to contact police by email at crimetips@redondo.org.

—City News Service, with additional reporting by editors Nicole Mooradian and John Schreiber.

Previously:

• Police: Arrests Made in Fatal Redondo Beach Shooting
• Police ID Person of Interest in Redondo Beach Fatal Shooting
• Police: Shooting Victim 'Specifically Targeted'