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LOS SANTOS TIMES

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

By Joaquin Velasco, Staff Writer

Suspected Norteño Found Dead in Tow Truck, Sparks Fears of Gang Tensions

GANTON, LOS SANTOS – In a city where Sureño influence runs deep, the violent death of a man suspected to be affiliated with the Norteños has raised alarms across South Los Santos.

Just after 11:45 PM on Tuesday night, police responded to a report of gunfire near the intersection of Carson and Newbridge. There, they discovered a tow truck riddled with bullet holes, its engine still running and the driver slumped over the wheel. The victim, a Latino male in his early 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body.

While the victim’s identity has not yet been released, several tattoos and red-colored clothing found on the body have led authorities to believe the man had ties to the Norteños, a prison-aligned gang with roots in Northern San Andreas. If confirmed, his presence in South Los Santos — long dominated by Sureño sets — is unusual and potentially dangerous.

"This isn't just a homicide — this has the markings of a message," said one detective on scene, speaking under condition of anonymity. "Norteños don’t operate openly down here. Not without friction."

Gang experts say the Norteños and Sureños, whose loyalties trace back to the prison gangs Nuestra Familia and the Mexican Mafia respectively, have long maintained a north-south divide. The victim being found in known Sureño territory has only fueled speculation that his presence may have triggered an attack from rival gang members.

“It’s rare, but sometimes individuals push lines. When that happens in this city, blood spills quick,” said a former gang intervention worker now employed by a nonprofit in East Vinewood.

At this time, police have not named any suspects or made any arrests. No weapons were recovered at the scene, and detectives are asking for the public's help. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is currently being reviewed.

The killing marks the fourth gang-related homicide in South Los Santos in the past six weeks. While the city has seen a recent uptick in violent crime, the apparent Norteño-Sureño dynamic adds another layer of complexity for both law enforcement and community leaders trying to keep the peace.

“This city’s lines are drawn in ink, not chalk,” said one local resident. “When someone crosses them, it doesn’t end quietly.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Santos Police Department’s Gang Homicide Unit or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-555-TIPS.