A 36-year-old Laguna Hills security guard shot three times – including in the back of the head – remained in critical condition Tuesday after what his brother described as an “unprovoked, senseless” shooting last week.
The victim, identified by family as Larry Rojas from Orange, was shot in the Nellie Gail Ranch neighborhood on Oct. 17 while parked in his security vehicle. Authorities later arrested Matthew Luke Pickens, 32, who lives in the Laguna Hills neighborhood, on suspicion of attempted murder.
Rojas was on routine patrol when the shooter approached him, and the two exchanged a few words before the security guard was shot in the shoulder, neck, and back of the head, according to his 40-year-old brother Marcos Rojas. He didn’t know what the argument was about.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed the guard was doing nothing out of the ordinary when he was shot.
Larry Rojas had only been employed by the security company for two months. He previously was a social worker conducting homeless outreach and a behavioral therapist for autistic children.
Rojas said his brother is currently “fighting for his life” and will likely live with a disability if he survives the gunshot wound in his head.
In a declaration filed by Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Elliot in support of increasing Pickens’ bail, Elliot said the suspect had ongoing mental health issues and previously displayed violent tendencies toward law enforcement, including being charged with battery on a peace officer in 2011 and 2012. The disposition of those cases was not immediately clear on Tuesday.
During a search of Pickens’ residence and vehicle, authorities found multiple knives, makeshift weapons, and several firearms, including an unserialized ghost gun, court documents show.
The declaration did not specify which weapon was used in the shooting. The guns were not registered to Pickens, Sgt. Frank Gonzalez said.
Elliot described the shooting as “an especially egregious violent act,” committed against an unsuspecting victim and recommended a no-bail hold due to Pickens’ history and access to firearms.
The judge agreed to no bail, and Pickens was charged with attempted murder and three felony enhancements, including attempted premeditated murder, and great bodily injury.
A GoFundMe has been established to support Rojas and his family, who describe him as someone who has always been dedicated to helping others, a nature and animal lover who enjoys camping and the outdoors.
“His injuries are life-threatening and if survivable will be a long and difficult recovery. We are staying as positive and strong as possible. We ask for everyone to please pray for him and his family,” Yesenia Diaz , the victim’s wife, wrote on GoFundMe.
An attorney for Pickens did not respond for comment on Tuesday.
