Los Angeles - On Monday, April 9, 2001, at 6:55 P. M., Valentin Casillas, age 17, was walking in the 800 block of E. 25^th Street with two friends, when an unidentified suspect, riding a bicycle, rode up to the group. The suspect got off the bicycle, armed himself with a small handgun and fired several rounds at the three victims. The suspect fled the location immediately after the shooting.

During the shooting victim Casillas sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Responding Paramedics transported the victim to USC Medical Center, where he was hospitalized.

On April 20, 2001, victim Casillas died as the result of his injury.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic 5' -5" to 5'-6" tall, 140 to 150 pounds, 17 to 20 years old. He was riding a blue mountain bike.

This crime appears to be gang related.

Newton Operation Support Division homicide detectives are handling the investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to contact Newton Homicide Detectives J. Linn or C. Worrell at
323-846-6556.

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.