Los Angeles: West Los Angeles Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a triple murder that occurred on Tuesday, August 27, 2002, at approximately 10:55 p.m. Four employees of the Koo-Koo-Roo Restaurant, located at Wilshire Boulevard and Bundy Avenue were off work and were standing outside. The victims were confronted by a male Hispanic, 20/30 years of age, 5’4"-5’5", approximately 160 lbs., medium complexion, goatee, wearing white shirt and black pants.

The suspect said something to one of the victims, pulled out a handgun, and fired several rounds at the victims. The suspect struck three of the victims and fled the location. The three victims were pronounced dead at the location by responding Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics. The fourth victim fled from the location and was unharmed.

The dead victims have been identified as Mario Cruz, 24 years of age, his brother Avelino Cruz, 23 years of age, and Jorge Rodriguez, 22 years of age. All the deceased victims were residents of the local West Los Angeles Area.

The motive for the killings has not been established and the detectives are working on several leads.

Anyone with information should contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Los Angeles Homicide Unit at 310-575-8441. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number to the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.