Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, Conspiracy, California 2023

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LAPD Officer’s Murder Sparks Decades-Long Prison Sentences for 3 Gang Members

LOS ANGELES – Three members of a South Los Angeles street gang each were sentenced to decades in prison for their roles in the robbery and fatal shooting in 2022 of Los Angeles Police Officer Fernando Arroyos.

In separate hearings today, United States District Judge Percy Anderson sentenced Luis Alfredo de la Rosa Rios, 30, a.k.a. ‘Lil J’ and ‘Lil Malo,’ to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution. Judge Anderson also sentenced Ernesto Cisneros, 25, a.k.a. ‘Gonzo’ and ‘Spooky,’ to 50 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $28,604.07 in restitution. Finally, Jesse Contreras, 36, a.k.a. ‘Skinny Jack’ and ‘Flaco,’ was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $31,204.07 in restitution.

The senseless murder of Officer Arroyos was a heinous act that has left a lasting impact on our community. The defendants, all members of the South Los Angeles-based Florencia 13 (F13) street gang, pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

“Gangs bring death and destruction, most often upon the very communities they claim to represent,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “These defendants coldly and callously murdered an innocent man who grew up in our community and returned home to give back to the city he loved. I hope the major sentences we announce today bring some degree of solace to Officer Arroyos’ family, friends, and colleagues.

Officer Arroyos was robbed and fatally shot on the night of January 10, 2022, while driving in Rios’ truck around F13’s “territory” in the Florence-Firestone area of South Los Angeles. The defendants decided to rob Officer Arroyos because he was wearing gold chains around his neck.

The sentences handed down today are a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement to hold those who terrorize our communities accountable. Officer Arroyos had a promising life ahead of him and chose to serve the community where he was raised, and we will forever remember his commitment and sacrifice.