The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner (DME) has released the name of the victim killed in a stabbing death on the Metrolink platform at the Sylmar-San Fernando station last Friday. Authorities arrested a suspect several hours following the deadly incident.
Rudy Ortiz was 30 years old. His manner of death was listed as homicide, caused by stab wound(s) to the neck, according to the DME. No additional information about the victim has been released, said Officer Nathalie Downs of the LA Police Department (LAPD).
LAPD Mission Division officers responded to a call about the stabbing at the station on Frank Modugno Drive shortly after 2 p.m. on July 31. They discovered the victim bleeding on the platform, where he was later pronounced dead.
Officers set up a perimeter around the site of the crime – near Hubbard Street and San Fernando Road in Sylmar – and conducted a multi-hour search for the perpetrator. An adult male suspect was taken into custody at approximately 7 p.m.
The suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Gabriel Medina. His bail is set at $2 million.
The San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol reached out to Metrolink for comment, which provided a statement. In the statement, they emphasized their partnership with the LA County Sheriff’s Department and the LASD Metrolink Bureau – which has jurisdiction for responding to crimes committed aboard Metrolink trains.
“As the Sylmar/San Fernando Station owner and operator, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation also oversees independently contracted security,” the statement said. “With safety at the core of our operations, we are all committed to identifying opportunities for improvements to ensure that our stations are clean, welcoming, safe and well-maintained for Metrolink customers.”
Gabriel Arizon contributed to this article.
The open-platform design at Sylmar/San Fernando is a critical vulnerability. There are no gates or turnstiles — anyone can walk straight from the street, parking lot, or bus areas onto the platforms. This station is also a major regional bus hub, drawing heavy foot traffic, and homeless encampments regularly occupy the waiting areas. On the day of the stabbing, a bedroll was near where Rudy Ortiz was found. Cameras can document an attack; but not stop one. Increased patrols are only a temporary fix. Structural change is needed: a permanent perimeter enclosing the train platforms, separation from the open bus and parking areas, and controlled entry through secure turnstiles.
LADOT and Council District 7 must prioritize funding to close and secure this city-owned platform before another life is lost.
Homeless encampment must be removed everywhere. This City permits open drug dealing, arsonists, felons etc to live in the streets everywhere. Now they open a city operated encampment in tiny homes in Sylmar, they place drug dealer and addicts there. Reseda suffered massive
Crimes from the tiny homes, burglaries, addicts and dealing, overdoses and
Murder. It won’t stop until we stop voting for democrats. Vote better next time, vote Pratt for Mayor.