Arrest made in slaying of discount store clerk, mother of five

Los Angeles police have made an arrest in the slaying of Martha Sanchez, a mother of five who was shot and killed while working at a discount store in September.

Police officials plan to discuss the case at a news conference Friday morning.

Sanchez, 39, was working at a South L.A. Happy Bargain discount store the night of Sept. 17 when authorities said a man walked in, robbed the store and shot Sanchez several times. A customer found Sanchez and called for help, authorities said, but she died at a hospital.

Those who knew Sanchez described her as a kind, helpful woman who spoke often of her family and showed leniency toward customers.

A day after the shooting, some who knew Sanchez gathered outside the store, located in the 7400 block of Broadway. Many said they were shocked by the crime.

Tina Marie, 34, who lives in Torrance but used to reside in the area, said Sanchez’s death angered her because it occurred not far from LAPD’s 77th Street Station.

“It tells you they’re not afraid of the police or anyone,� Marie said. “They’re heartless and fearless.�

She said if a customer was short on cash, Sanchez might let them pay later for items.

“Oh, my god,� Marie said. She shook her head. “Why would they leave her at the store by herself?�

Jasmine Hernandez, 25, of Los Angeles, said she met Sanchez about two years ago, not long after Sanchez was hired at the store.

Hernandez, who works up the street, said they would often talk about Sanchez’s family. Authorities said Sanchez had five children between ages 3 and 19.

“She spoke often of her oldest daughter,� Hernandez said. “She was so proud of her because she helped her a lot and was attending college.�

Hernandez said that she was invited recently by Sanchez to help celebrate her only son’s third birthday.

“This is just sad,� Hernandez said. “She was a very good friend.�

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