Man killed with crossbow following argument in Bell Gardens

BELL GARDENS, CA — A 34-year-old man was killed with a crossbow following an argument in Bell Gardens early Saturday morning, authorities said.

Kevin Toledo was found in the 6200 block of Lanto Street and taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:39 a.m. Sept. 5, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau Lt. Michael Modica told The SELA Sun.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified Toledo and ruled his death a homicide caused by a penetrating injury to the torso.

Modica said Toledo was struck once with an arrow fired from a crossbow following an argument with Francisco Baltazar, 26.

Baltazar turned himself in to Bell Gardens police shortly after 6 a.m. and was booked on suspicion of murder.

Toledo was the partner of Baltazar’s sister, Modica said. Both men lived at a property in the 6200 block of Lanto Street.

Investigators determined the crossbow belonged to Baltazar and had been purchased in his name. Modica said its box was still at the residence and described the weapon as roughly two feet across, with a pistol grip and sight.

Baltazar fled after the shooting, Modica said. Investigators recovered the crossbow across the street from the residence.

Investigators are not seeking any other suspects. Modica said the killing was not random and there is no threat to the community.