Los Angeles: On April 16, 2004 at 10:18 p.m., West Valley patrol officers responded to the report of a shooting at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Strathern Street. The officers were directed by witnesses to a 20 year old male who was lying on the sidewalk. The male had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was near death. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victim to Northridge Hospital, where he was admitted in gravely critical condition.

West Valley Homicide Detectives responded to the location to conduct the investigation. It has been determined, through witness statements, that the victim and a friend were walking home from a nearby video store. Three suspects approached them, armed with a handgun, and demanded their wallets. After obtaining the wallets, the suspects turned and began to walk away. The victim suddenly charged the suspect that had his wallet in an apparent attempt to get it back. The suspect then shot the victim one time in the head. The three suspects then ran away and were seen entering a late model black truck that was parked on Strathern Street west of Topanga Boulevard.

The victim was pronounced dead on April 17, 2004 at 5:45 p.m., and his identity will not be released at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Valley Homicide Detectives Roberts or Rains at 818-342-0449. A 24-hour toll free number is available at 1-877-529-3855.

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