News Summary
Anthony Velasquez, 35, has been sentenced to 150 years to life in prison for a triple homicide that took place in East Los Angeles from 2014 to 2018. His conviction includes three counts of first-degree murder linked to the deaths of Jessie Avalos, Eduardo Robles, and Amanda Nicole Lopez, all of whom had ties to Velasquez. Prosecutors highlighted his motivation was fueled by revenge for perceived disrespect. The case, which drew significant community attention, showcased disturbing attitudes towards violence and justice. Velasquez’s attorney intends to appeal the conviction.
East Los Angeles – Anthony Velasquez, a 35-year-old man, has been sentenced to 150 years to life in prison for his involvement in a triple homicide that unfolded between 2014 and 2018 in East Los Angeles. The case has drawn significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crimes and the motivations behind them, which prosecutors indicate were fueled by a desire for revenge over perceived disrespect.
Velasquez was convicted on three counts of first-degree murder, with the victims identified as Jessie Avalos, aged 34, Eduardo Robles, 38, and Amanda Nicole Lopez, 27. Each of the victims had connections to Velasquez, who lived with his father, Manuel Velasquez, in a home located on Humphreys Avenue, near the scenes of the crimes that spanned a two-mile radius.
The investigation, led by Detective Ray Lugo from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, identified Velasquez and his father as primary suspects based on ballistic evidence and eyewitness accounts. Velasquez had adopted a reclusive lifestyle, claiming to work as a custodian but rarely leaving his residence and was without a cellphone. Residents in the close-knit neighborhood expressed fear of Velasquez, who was known to be a loner and was not readily approachable.
The timeline of the murders began with an altercation in 2014, wherein an argument erupted between Velasquez and Avalos. During this confrontation, Velasquez fired a gun, but it was stated that they later reconciled. However, Avalos was subsequently found shot dead in his vehicle shortly after receiving a call for assistance, marking the first homicide in the series.
The second victim, Eduardo Robles, was shot and killed in July 2015 after confronting Velasquez over Avalos’s death. Witnesses reported that prior to the shooting, Velasquez vandalized Robles’ vehicle, escalating tensions that ultimately led to the murder. Amanda Nicole Lopez, the third victim, was found dead in a homeless encampment in April 2018 after her relationship with Velasquez had deteriorated. Reports suggest that Velasquez felt disappointed in her actions, which contributed to his motive.
As the investigation progressed, Lugo’s teams undertook an undercover operation. While incarcerated, Velasquez reportedly made incriminating statements, including his reflections on the fear his community held towards him and nonchalantly mentioning other unsolved murders in the area. This revelation pointed to a disturbing attitude about his actions and their impact on the victims’ families.
In a related development, Manuel Velasquez, the father of Anthony, was arrested and later pleaded no contest to charges of voluntary manslaughter and being an accessory to murder. He received a sentence of 11 years and eight months as part of the case against his son.
During sentencing, family members of the deceased spoke emotionally about the harm inflicted upon them, with some declaring that they would never find closure after the loss of their loved ones. The prosecution maintained that Velasquez targeted individuals he viewed as having disrespected him, raising the severity of his actions beyond mere violence.
In response to the verdict, Velasquez’s attorney has announced plans to appeal the conviction, asserting his client’s continued claim of innocence. Throughout the trial, Velasquez displayed a level of confidence in eluding justice, often discussing methods to eliminate evidence and threats posed by potential witnesses. This behavior has only added to the chilling nature of the case, which reflects deeper issues of violence and social dynamics within the East Los Angeles community.
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Additional Resources
- Daily News: East LA Man Sentenced
- Wikipedia: Los Angeles
- ABC7: East LA Man Sentenced
- Google Search: East Los Angeles murder case
- CBS News: Father-Son Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: East Los Angeles
- NBC Los Angeles: Father-Son Arrested
- Google News: East LA Triple Murder 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
