Suspect arrested in Los Angeles County shooting that left 3 people dead

Detectives have detained a person of interest in a deadly triple shooting that happened in Lancaster over the weekend.

In a news release issued on Sunday, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies reported that they were called to 215th Street East and E. Palmdale Boulevard, in a vacant lot near Lake Los Angeles, at around 4:45 p.m. after receiving reports of gunshots. 

When they arrived, they found three people, sitting inside two different cars, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, deputies said. All three victims were declared dead at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics. 

On Tuesday, investigators identified 32-year-old Axel Abel Trevino as a person of interest in the incident. They did not provide details on his alleged connection to the victims, who were also identified. 

He was located sometime Tuesday evening and taken into custody. On Thursday, Trevino was charged with three counts of murder and a special-circumstance allegation of multiple murders, as well as that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, according to Los Angeles County prosecutors. 

Trevino was ordered to remain behind bars without bail while awaiting arraignment on Sept. 4.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, 54-year-old Nazario Ramirez, 44-year-old Juan Arteaga Diaz and 65-year-old Beverely Cassese were all fatally shot on Sunday. 

Investigators believe that Arteaga Diaz and Ramirez were driving eastbound on Avenue Q, near 215th Street, when Trevino pulled alongside their vehicle and opened fire. They said that he then pulled up next tot Cassese's vehicle, in the same area, and fired his gun again. Each victim was struck by multiple shots, deputies said.

There was no motive announced during Trevino's first court appearance and deputies said additional details would be withheld as their investigation continued.

Anyone who knows of Trevino's whereabouts was asked to contact LASD's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.