Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more!
Man Killed While Trying To Rescue Woman Being Kidnapped By Ex, Police Say
Shane Winfield Rayment is accused of fatally shooting Roberto Fletes, who stepped in while Rayment was trying to kidnap his ex-girlfriend Jenny Marie Downes, according to authorities.
A California man was shot to death while trying to rescue a woman from being kidnapped, authorities say.
Shane Winfield Rayment, 37, allegedly went to his former girlfriend’s North Hollywood home on Sunday “and struggled with her,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said in a statement.
Roberto Fletes, 42, noticed the “suspect was involved in a dispute with his ex-girlfriend” so he “attempted to intervene and was fatally shot by the suspect,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in their own statement.
After Rayment allegedly shot Fletes, he took off with Downes in a pickup.
“The suspect forced his ex-girlfriend into a vehicle and fled the scene with her,” police wrote.
The alleged kidnapping victim has been identified by police as Jenny Marie Downes, 31. Fletes was a friend of Downes’ sister, LAPD Det. Efren Gutierrez told the Los Angeles Times. He did not know Rayment directly. Like Downes, Fletes lived in North Hollywood.
Police pulled over Rayment during a Tuesday traffic stop when they rescued Downes. She had visible but non-life-threatening injuries, according to the LA Times.
Rayment, who lives in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Tujunga, now faces one felony count each of murder, kidnapping, criminal threats, injuring a girlfriend, first-degree residential burglary with person present and possession of a firearm by a felon. It's not clear if he has a lawyer.
The LAPD also noted that there are up to four other suspects in the case, one male and three females. They have not been identified. They wrote that all four allegedly accompanied Rayment in the kidnapping.
Fletes is being remembered as a hero.
“It’s especially tragic when a good Samaritan becomes a victim,” District Attorney Gascón stated. “I send my heartfelt condolences to his family. Mr. Fletes will always be remembered for his heroic actions on behalf of another.”
Fletes, whose family nicknamed “Clumzy” is remembered as a “big teddy bear” who had “many friends that he loved and respected.”
