Casino Crime

Big win at casino may have led to slaying, police believe

Detectives believe a man was followed home from a Hawaiian Gardens casino and robbed of his winnings before being killed on a Santa Ana street this morning.

The unidentified victim, 55, had apparently won several thousands dollars before he was slain.

Santa Ana police were alerted to the South Andres Place killing about 5:30 a.m. by a woman screaming for help.

Arriving officers discovered a man lying in the street, having apparently been run over by an assailant. Dozens of $20 bills lay like confetti on the street.

Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said the victim had won several thousand dollars early Friday at the casino.

His killer followed him from the gambling establishment in another vehicle to Santa Ana, where he cut him off, according to Bertagna.

Bertagna said the suspect and victim had an altercation on the street, and the 55-year-old man fled on foot only to be struck by the killer’s vehicle.

The woman had accompanied the victim to the casino but was apparently unhurt in the attack.