Los Angeles: On Friday, April 26, 2002, at 3:45 P.M., Foothill Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of an "Ambulance ADW" at the park at Astoria Street and Borden Street in Sylmar. Upon arrival officers discovered the victim David Sanchez, a 17 year-old resident of Sylmar, who had been stabbed in the upper torso. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics transported Sanchez to the hospital where he died as the result of his injuries.

The preliminary investigation revealed that several males Hispanics, shouting gang names, surrounded the victim and began hitting and kicking the victim. The suspects armed themselves with knives and stabbed the victim before fleeing.

The motive for this crime is gang related. The suspects have not been arrested.

Foothill Area Detectives, under direction of Captain Kris Pitcher, Commanding Officer Foothill Operations Support Division, are handling the investigation. Anyone with information that may assist this investigation is urged to call the investigative detectives at 818-834-3115. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL.

This press released was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.