Good Samaritan Killed Trying to Stop Catalytic Converter Thieves

Mugshots of Jose Christian Saravia Sanchez, left, and Wilber Alberto Rabanales, right. Photo courtesy of the Inglewood Police Department.

In a heartbreaking act of bravery, 48-year-old Juan Miguel Sanchez was shot and killed while trying to prevent two thieves from stealing his neighbor's catalytic converter in Inglewood, California. The tragic event unfolded in the early morning hours of Feb. 25, 2025, when Sanchez confronted two men allegedly attempting to saw off the valuable car part. Despite his non-violent approach, he was shot in the chest, dying at the scene.

A Tragic Encounter

Sanchez's family said he was leaving early for work when he heard a noise outside his neighbor's home and stepped in to stop the theft. Surveillance and Ring camera footage captured the moment Sanchez was shot in the chest, as well as the suspects fleeing by car.

Suspects With Criminal Histories Arrested

Authorities arrested two suspects, Wilber Alberto Rabanales and Jose Christian Saravia Sanchez, at a nearby motel after a seven-hour standoff with a SWAT team. Both men, who are reportedly illegal immigrants, had extensive criminal records before this fatal shooting. Rabanales had been arrested at least 15 times for various offenses, including grand theft, drug possession, and burglary. Saravia Sanchez had also faced multiple arrests, including charges of kidnapping, drug crimes, and gun charges.

After their arrest, the two suspects were booked at the Inglewood Jail for the killing of Juan Miguel Sanchez.

Family and Community Mourn the Loss

Sanchez, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, was known for his kindness and strong faith. He never missed Sunday mass and was actively involved in his church. His death has left his wife, who is battling cancer, without her primary caregiver and source of financial support. To help cover funeral costs and support his grieving family, relatives have set up a GoFundMe campaign, asking for the community's help during this difficult time.

Sanchez's sister, Susana Sanchez, shared that he had recently received a promotion at Clean Harbors and had just finished a major project in the Palisades Fire zone. "It's been a very difficult time trying to understand how somebody could do this to another human being," she told ABC7 News.

Catalytic converter

Rising Threat of Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converter thefts have surged in recent years due to the valuable metals they contain. Thieves can make quick money by selling the stolen parts to scrap yards, leading to an increase in these crimes across the country. Unfortunately, as this case demonstrates, such thefts are becoming more violent, with innocent bystanders paying the ultimate price.

The deadly incident has drawn comparisons to the killing of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor, who was shot and killed in May 2024 in downtown Los Angeles when thieves tried to steal the catalytic converter from his car. His tragic death, like Sanchez's, highlights the growing dangers of confronting these criminals.

Authorities continue to investigate Sanchez's murder, urging communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to help prevent further tragedies.

References: Suspects in LA murder of good Samaritan who tried to stop catalytic converter theft were in country illegally | 2 arrested in deadly shooting of Inglewood man who interrupted catalytic converter theft, police say | Horror as twisted illegal migrants commit horrendous crime in Sanctuary City that ignored series of warning signs