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Suspect Named in Deadly Valley Village Restaurant Shooting
Neres Galstyan has been named as the suspect | Photo provided by the LAPD
Neres Galstyan has been named as the suspect | Photo provided by the LAPD
28-year-old Nerses Galstyan of North Hollywood has been named as the suspect in Saturday's Valley Village restaurant shooting that left four dead and two injured, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said this afternoon. On Saturday, Galstyan was apparently with the six victims inside the Hot Spot Mediterranean Restaurant and became involved in an argument before shooting them in anger.
"This comes after an extensive non-stop investigation," explained Beck.
"A great deal of physical evidence that leads to this," added Kevin McClure, the Commanding Officer of LAPD's Robbery and Homicide Division. "We served two search warrants [in North Hollywood and Glendale) this morning... We truly believe he's still in the area." McClure believes family or friends may be aiding Galstyan.
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The announcement came at a press conference that also included U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte, the ATF, FBI and Secret Service. Via a separate investigation, a federal grand jury this morning indicted Galstyan on weapons violations. Galstyan was charged with conspiracy for engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, specifically two Spike’s Tactical .223 caliber semi-automatic rifles.
Police need the public's help, but they also wanted to ensure residents and visitors that there was no need to avoid eating out. "No one in North Hollywood should be fearful. This was not a random act, this involved people who knew each other," said Councilmember Paul Krekorian.
Previously on LAist
- Restaurant Shooting that Left 4 Dead May be Connected to a 2007 Murder
- Witness Accounts Conflict in Restaurant Shooting that Left 4 Dead
- Victims in Restaurant Shooting Were Eating after a Funeral
- Police Believe Victims Were Targeted in Deadly Valley Restaurant Shooting
- 4 Dead in Valley Village Restaurant Shooting
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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