The Pomona Police Department recently announced the arrest of a suspect in the December 15 shooting death of 65-year-old Gregory Estel. The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Julious Whiten of Covina, was apprehended in Pomona on Thursday, March 6, following what officials described as "an extensive investigation." Estel, whose body was found inside his vehicle on the 600 block of Lincoln Avenue, had succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, KTLA reported.
According to the same report, the Pomona Police Department Major Crimes Unit was able to connect Whiten to the murder. Following his arrest, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office filed charges against Whiten for murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Whiten is currently being held without bail, with a hold placed by the California Department of Corrections despite jail records initially indicating a $4.205 million bail.
In a statement obtained by Nixle, the Pomona Police Department encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, offering anonymity for those who wish to contact "Crime Stoppers" with any leads. This arrest brings a semblance of progress to a case that has gripped the Pomona community since the shocking incident occurred last year.
At his first court appearance on Monday, Whiten faced charges for violation of 187 (a) PC – Murder and 29800(a)(1) PC – Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The investigation is still ongoing, with officers suggesting the possibility of further developments. Information on the case can be shared by phoning the Pomona Police Department at 909-622-1241 or, for anonymity, by calling "Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), as per the details shared by authorities.
