Romantic Relationship May Have Led to Slaying of Student

Update: A romantic relationship may have been behind the slaying of a popular El Camino Real High School student outside his family's home in Winnetka, it was reported Wednesday.

The Daily News and Los Angeles Times cited law enforcement sources as saying the victim may have been involved with a woman with a jealous male friend.

A 24-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were behind bars Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of a popular El Camino Real High School student and star soccer goalie who was killed last week in front of his family's home after someone knocked on the door and asked for him.

Jason Schumann and Elizabeth Ibarra, both of Calabasas, were arrested Monday night, according to Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Jorge Villegas and county Sheriff's Department inmate records.

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They were being held without bail in connection with the death of Francisco "Pancho" Rodriguez Jr., 17, who was gunned down shortly after 6 p.m. Jan. 11 outside his home in the 6900 block of Cozycroft Avenue in Winnetka.

The victim had returned home from a soccer game during which El Camino Real played Taft High School to a scoreless tie. Police said a red-haired woman or girl knocked on the family's door and apparently asked for the teen by name. He was shot when he went outside.

"This was truly a tragic situation, a senseless murder," Villegas said. "We have received information and inquiries from throughout the nation as a result of this murder," he added.

"Francisco was a popular student," he said. "By all accounts he had a bright future and he was heading in the right direction as it relates to his life and what he wanted to accomplish in the future."

Villegas did not say what may have precipitated the shooting, but he said investigators were led to the suspects by a variety of anonymous tips, along with help from Rodriguez's family, Los Angeles School Police and Los Angeles Unified School District officials.

"This case is far from being over," Villegas said. "There are still pieces of information that we need to solidify. ... There's a specific anonymous tip that came to us, and we need that person to come forward, identify himself or herself, and provide us with additional information ..."

Villegas said Schumann and Ibarra "have extensive rap sheets and both are currently on probation."

The deputy chief said Schumann's criminal history includes assault with a deadly weapon, battery, drug charges and forgery. Ibarra's record includes forgery, battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and identity theft, Villegas said.

Rodriguez's father, who recently returned from a trip to his native Mexico, was working to arrange the burial of his son, who was known as "Panchito," a nickname for "Little Francisco." His son's wish was to be buried next to his best friend, Chatsworth High soccer star in Chatsworth's .

Romero was killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle on DeSoto Avenue in Canoga Park last April. for , who has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and other charges stemming from the accident. Her father, , is accused of being an accessory after the fact.

—City News Service contributed to this report.