Los Angeles: On Saturday, April 6, 2002, at approximately 5:59 a.m., Devonshire Area Patrol officers responded to a radio call regarding two victims who appeared to have been shot inside a parked vehicle in the 8800 block of Wakefield Avenue in Panorama City. The officers were directed to a compact vehicle where they observed what appeared to be the lifeless bodies of two males. One was in the driver seat and the other was on the grass parkway next to the passenger side of the vehicle. Los Angeles City Paramedics responded and pronounced both victims dead at the scene. Officers secured the scene and began canvassing the area for additional victims and/or evidence and witnesses. Preliminary information provided by neighbors indicated several shots were heard in the area around 2:14 a.m., however no emergency personnel were summoned and the victims were not discovered until hours later.

Devonshire Homicide Detectives assumed the investigative responsibility for the double homicide. The victim in the vehicle was 24 years of age and the second victim was 26 years of age. Both are residents of Panorama City. Their identities are not being released pending further family notifications. Both victims sustained multiple upper body gunshot wounds.

The motive for the slayings is unknown and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two victims is under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to please call 818-756-8291 or 818-756-8285. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855)

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.