Los Angeles: Pacific Area Homicide Detectives are investigating three murders that occurred on Sunday, August 15, 2004.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., at Main Street and Venice Way, three people were shot as they were stopped in their vehicle. A burgundy colored vehicle, possibly a Mercedes Benz, drove up next the victim’s car and someone fired numerous rounds into the victim’s vehicle. Two of the victims died at the scene. A third victim was taken to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. The two deceased victims are male Hispanics in their early twenties. Identification is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

Pacific Area patrol officers observed a burgundy colored vehicle and stopped it near La Tijera Boulevard and the San Diego Freeway. Two occupants of the vehicle have been arrested and booked in connection with the above murders.

At approximately 3:10 p.m., Jose Lujano, twenty years of age, was at the Laundromat at Culver Boulevard and Slauson Avenue. Two male Hispanics walked up to Lujano and shot him multiple times and he died at the scene. The two men then got into an early model, faded black, Honda vehicle and left eastbound on Culver Boulevard. The motive for all three murders appears to be gang related.

Pacific Area Detectives are investigating these murders and are asking anyone with information to call them at 310-202-4506. A twenty-four hour toll free number is available at 1-877-529-3855. This news release was prepared by Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.