Erick Herrera identified as murder victim inside South Gate tattoo studio

By Brian Hews

The search is underway to find the killer of a popular tattoo shop proprietor and artist who was gunned down over the weekend inside his studio in South Gate.

Tattoo artist Erick Herrera was gunned down inside Kokopelli Ink and his death has sent a shock wave to his friends, family and those who work in the tattoo industry here in Southern California.

Herrera, who was known for his detailed portrait work was found dead inside his tattoo salon on Sunday morning after he failed to return home from work the night before.

Police surrounded the shop, that is located on one of the most travelled streets in South Gate, and were searching for clues and evidence to determine who was responsible for the violent act.

“Detectives responded to the location regarding a dead person inside the tattoo parlor. The victim was found inside the location by family members. The victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene,” said Deputy Mark Pope in a statement to the media.

Kokopelli Ink has a huge clientele and attracts patrons from throughout Southeast Los Angeles County area on a regular basis. Thousands of cars drives pass the tattoo studio each and every day on the heavily travelled Tweedy Boulevard.

Friends gathered outside the shop where the murder took place on Sunday to remember Herrera. “It’s sad. It’s sad, because I know he kept saying it over and over, ‘I just want to spend Sunday with my family. I can’t do it for you because I want to be with my family,'” customer Alexandra Izquierdo told ABC 7/Eyewitness News Reporter Leanne Suter.

According to Deputy Pope, “there were no witnesses to the incident, and Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in this matter. ”

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department‘s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website.