One-eyed man arrested in connection with double murder at 7-Eleven

A one-eyed man wanted in connection with a double homicide in Panorama City was arrested on suspicion of murder after gang detectives found him at a motel a half-block away from the incident.

Witnesses connected Angel Santana, 29, with the July 17 double killing of 22-year-old Maron States and 19-year-old Deshawn Miles outside a 7-Eleven, police said.

According to police, Santana and another man allegedly began shooting at two men after a brief confrontation. The other gunman, who has not been named, fled south on Sepulveda Boulevard, police said.

A 50-year-old man also was injured in the early-morning shooting but survived.

Police said they “followed a trail of gang intelligence” to the Palm Tree Inn, about a half-block from where the shooting occurred. Santana was with two other people when he was arrested about 1 a.m. Sunday, said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon. A man was arrested on outstanding warrants and a woman was released.

Santana is being held on $1-million bail, police said.

“We had information that Santana was still local,” Vernon said in a statement. “Every gang officer was looking for this guy. It was just a matter of time.”

Police are still looking for another man believed to be involved in the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Gretchen Schultz at (818) 838-9951. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Follow @nicolesantacruz for more homicide news.