Los Angeles: Pacific Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the murder of 20 year-old Angel Lopez.

On Saturday, August 24, 2003, at about 2:30 a.m., in the 4700 block of Purdue Avenue, Angel was standing in the driveway at his residence. Several suspects entered the location and argued with partygoers. One suspect pulled a handgun from his waistband and started shooting at the crowd. Lopez was struck by the gunfire and died at the scene. Four other partygoers were struck by indiscriminate gunfire and transported to local hospitals.

Preliminary investigation revealed Angel was hosting the party for his teammates from the Los Angeles City College’s baseball team. Angel is not associated with any street gangs, but the suspects were possibly local street gang members who attempted to crash the party.

The suspect(s) are described as male, Hispanics 18-20 years of age.

The investigation is on going and is being conducted by Pacific Area Homicide Detectives. Anyone with information is requested to call 310-202-4513. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

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