Rampart: On Monday, August 27, 2001, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Rampart Patrol Officers were flagged down by park employees inside McArthur Park and advised that a body was observed floating in the lake. The officers summoned Los Angeles Fire Department personnel who responded and removed the lifeless body of an unidentified 35 to 40 year-old male Hispanic.

Upon further investigation, Detectives learned from witnesses that the victim had been in a physical altercation with a group of male Hispanics early Sunday morning, August 26, 2001, at approximately 1:00 a.m. Witnesses stated that during the altercation, the victim had been thrown into the lake.

At the time of this press release, the motive for the assault is unknown, and the identity the victim has not yet been determined.

Anyone with additional information regarding this crime is urged to contact the Rampart Homicide Unit at 213-207-2051.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.