Suspected Gunman In Venice Transient's Slaying Arrested, Pleads Not Guilty To Murder

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles police say they have arrested the gunman suspected in the fatal shooting of a transient in Venice Beach.

Francisco Guzman, 28, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one count each of murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon with two prior convictions after being arrested Monday by the FBI-LAPD Fugitive Task Force. He is being held on $3 million bail.

Guzman was identified as the "suspected shooter" of 26-year-old Jascent Warren, who was gunned down shortly after 2 a.m. Aug. 30 near Rose Avenue and Ocean Front Walk. A second person was shot in the leg.

Co-defendant Sris Sinnathamby, who owns the Cadillac Hotel on Dudley Avenue, is charged with one count each of murder and attempted murder.

Sinnathamby, 54, was arrested Aug. 30 by Los Angeles police and pleaded not guilty Sept. 1. He was released on bond the following day.

Both men are due back in court next Wednesday, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require them to stand trial.

Witnesses claimed the hotel owner was with the gunman at the time of the shooting and that the gunman was operating under orders from the hotel owner.

Warren was among a large crowd of people in front of the Cadillac Hotel when a fight broke out over who was camping where, witnesses said.

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