Venice Boardwalk Shooting Suspect Arrested, Police Say

VENICE, CA — A 33-year-old man suspected of shooting a homeless man at the Venice Beach Boardwalk then later setting a car on fire with two women was arrested this week on suspicion of murder, according to the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Area.

The shooting happened April 28 about 4:27 a.m. in the 600 block of Ocean Front Walk, near Sunset Avenue, when the suspect walked up to a homeless man and aimed a handgun at him, shooting him three times, police said. As the victim crawled away, the suspect shot at the victim for a fourth time.

After shooting the victim, the suspect and two women drove off in a 2020 Jeep Compass and fled southbound on Speedway Avenue, police said. The victim was taken to a hospital for his injuries. LAPD detectives believe the shooting was gang-related.

Residents in the 1200 block of Palms then reported about 4:46 a.m. that a vehicle was on fire in the alley, police said. Los Angeles firefighters found the 2020 Jeep Compass fully engulfed in flames.

"The suspects in the shooting were seen fleeing from the fire," police said. "Pacific Area detectives sought the assistance of LAFD Arson investigators who subsequently determined that the Jeep Compass was intentionally set on fire."

Nichalous Reynolds, 33, of Los Angeles, Blanca Marcela Lopez, 31, of Inglewood, and Amber Manchel, 27, of Los Angeles, were identified as suspects in the shooting and attempted murder of the homeless man, police said.

LAPD Pacific Area detectives and investigators from LAPD's Gang and Narcotics Division arrested Manchel in Venice Monday. Reynolds and Lopez were arrested Tuesday in Inglewood.

"During Reynolds’ arrest, detectives discovered a rifle, ammunition, and other evidence," police said.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Reynolds with attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, arson, ignition of a destructive device and driving without the owner's consent. No bail was set. His next court date is May 25 at LAX Superior Court.

Lopez and Manchel were each charged with one count each of accessory to attempted murder, officials said. No bail was set for Lopez and her next court date is June 23 at LAX Superior Court. Manchel's bail was set at $50,000 and her next court date is May 24 at LAX Superior Court.

Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Pacific Area's Detective Jurado at (310) 482-6369 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone who wants to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or www.lacrimestoppers.org .

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