Los Angeles: Central Area Homicide detectives are investigating the shooting death of 20 year-old Paul Thim, a male Cambodian of Los Angeles.

On Friday, August 15, 2003, at about 3:20 p.m., Central Area officers responded to a radio call, "Murder Ambulance Death Investigation" in the 900 block of New High Street. When the officers arrived, they were directed to a stairwell leading to the subterranean parking lot in the rear of the rear of the apartment complex. They observed the victim lying in the prone position on the stairway. Los Angeles paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead as a result of his gunshot wounds.

The motive for the shooting appears to be gang-related and the suspect(s) identity are unknown at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Central Homicide detectives at 213-485-2671. On weekends and during off-hours contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detectives Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

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