Two Los Angeles residents have been arrested on suspicion of a four-month-old homicide case in West Covina, as reported by KTLA. The suspects, identified as Sonny Ruiz, 23, and Drygani Gonzalez, 24, were taken into custody in a coordinated effort by local law enforcement following what was described as "a comprehensive investigation."
On the night of January 17, authorities responded to reports of a shooting on the 600 block of South Sunset Avenue, where they discovered 24-year-old Michael Varela from La Puente, who had sustained a gunshot wound. He was hospitalized but ultimately passed away from his injuries. Despite discrepancies in the age of the suspects reported by jail records, police have confirmed the arrests of Ruiz and Gonzalez, who are currently held without bail at the Men’s Central Jail, soon to be arraigned at Pomona Superior Court as per an announcement made on social media by the West Covina Police Department.
According to a post from the West Covina Police Department's official social media account, the arrests took place on May 2, and murder charges were officially filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on the following Monday, highlighting the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for violent crimes within the community.
Arrest in Homicide Investigation. See post for details. pic.twitter.com/7nwE8ZwFCX
— West Covina Police (@WestCovinaPD) May 8, 2025
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has formally filed murder charges against both suspects. The information came following the investigative leads that culminated in their apprehension. Meanwhile, the West Covina Police Department has not disclosed the specifics of what led them to identify Ruiz and Gonzalez as the alleged perpetrators in what appears to be a meticulous and prolonged effort to solve the case. Their upcoming court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, where they will face their charges before a judge.
