Resident killed in apparent home invasion

DOWNEY - A homeowner was shot and killed during an apparent home invasion robbery early Wednesday in northeast Downey.Police officers were dispatched to a home on the 9300 block of Gainford Street at about 2:50 a.m. to investigate gunshots and a possible prowler. Officers found the homeowner, identified as 53-year-old Hermilio Franco, dead inside the house from a gunshot wound. Another male adult, believed to be a suspect, was also found in the home with a gunshot wound. He was arrested and transported to a local hospital where he was listed in serious condition with non-life threatening injuries, police said. Police are searching for a second male suspect, who witnesses last saw fleeing from the house on foot. He was described only as wearing dark clothing. Downey detectives are investigating the shooting as a "home invasion robbery that was interrupted by the [homeowner]." According to public documents, Franco was owner of the popular Rancho Farall nightclub in El Monte.

********** Published: November 4, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 29