Los Angeles:  A 15 year-old walking to a party was shot and killed by gang members. 

On August 13, 2005, at 11:00 p.m., North Hollywood Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the 11400 block of Tiara Street in North Hollywood.  Upon arrival they discovered the 15 year-old victim lying in the alley with a gunshot wound to his head.  The victim was taken to a local hospital, but died from his injuries on August 14, 2005.

Detectives’ investigation revealed the victim, Samuel Salas, was walking with a friend, a 21 year-old man, when his friend was suddenly attacked by three to four male Hispanic gang members.  As the suspects demanded to know Salas’ friend’s gang affiliation, they began beating him and seven to ten additional gang members joined in the beating.  Salas ran to the group in an attempt to help his friend when one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and fired several shots.  Salas was struck once in the head.

Any one with information is requested to call North Hollywood Detectives at 818-623-4045.  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).