WHO: Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden
Deputy Chief David J. Kalish, Commanding Officer, Operations West Bureau, and Wilshire Area Homicide Detectives

WHAT: Press Conference to Announce $25,000.00 Reward

WHEN:
Thursday, August 15, 2002
2:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Wilshire Community Police Station
4861 West Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles

Los Angeles: On Saturday, August 3, 2002, Mr. Du-hwan Hwang’s life was cut short by an act of senseless violence that resulted in his murder. On August 3, 2002, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Mrs. B. Hwang discovered her husband, Mr. Du-Hwan Hwang’s body, inside his office, which is located in the rear parking lot at 955 South Western Avenue. Mr. Hwang, a husband and father, was a male Korean, 57 years of age. Mr. Hwang was well known in the business community, and at the time of his murder, was alone inside his office when the suspects entered and stabbed him multiple times. A Los Angeles City Rescue Ambulance responded to the scene and pronounced Mr. Hwang’s death.

The suspects in this case were described as two male Hispanics in their 30’s. One of the suspects was dressed in white painters' clothing, displaying several different colored paint drippings on the pants.

The motive for this crime appears to be robbery.

On August 9, 2002, a request was made to Los Angeles City Councilman Holden's Office, who then made a motion to the Los Angeles City Council, requesting the City Council to offer a reward for anyone who has information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible for Mr. Hwang’s murder. The Los Angeles City Council adopted the motion and a $25,000.00 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

The persons responsible for this crime have not been identified and represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles. Therefore, the City of Los Angeles, the City Council, Councilman Holden's Office, and the Los Angeles Police Department are requesting the assistance from the public with any information leading to the identities, arrest, and conviction of the persons responsible for the death of Mr. Hwang.

Detectives Bolan and Cooper can be reached at Wilshire Division Homicide, 213-473-0444. After hours, 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., the Wilshire Division Watch Commander can be contacted at 213-485-4022. 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 media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.