Giovanni Ramirez Is Still Our Man: Charlie Beck

Giovanni Ramirez, the only suspect in custody in the Bryan Stow beating case, is back in jail for up to 10 months after his parole was revoked this past Monday by a court that found he had violated his parole. Another attacker and a woman who drove the getaway car are also being sought in the case.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck told reporters Friday that keeping Ramirez in custody takes pressure off Los Angeles Police Department investigators: They’ve had a tough time digging up enough evidence to convince prosecutors to file charges against Ramirez—despite a $250,00 reward and relentless media attention.

Beck was quoted in a KCAL 9 report  as saying that “the case is very difficult because of the lack of forensic-type statements. This is a lot of interviews, statements, issues about who’s credible, who’s not  credible. And those are the toughest kind of cases.”

The Los Angeles Times reported earlier Friday that Beck appeared to be backing off from his stance that Ramirez was the right suspect.

The Times said the police chief told KFI Radio: "If it leads to a conviction, if it leads to exoneration, wherever it leads, we will follow the case."

But Beck told the Times that his position had not changed and that he still believes Ramirez is the guy.

Northeast Division detectives headed the investigation until it was recently assigned to the LAPD’s Central Homicide group as media attention—and public frustration—escalated.

Ramirez’s attorneys have repeatedly claimed he was not at Dodger Stadium the day of the beating. His daughter and numerous friends are willing to provide an alibi.

Ramirez is one of three suspects believed involved in the beating of Giants fan Bryan Stow on March 31 at Dodger Stadium.

Stow was in critical condition for many weeks but his outlook was downgraded to “serious” earlier this week after he moved an arm.