Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s Newton Area Homicide Detectives are investigating a shooting that involved multiple victims, including two that died as a result of the deadly attack.

On December 21, 2002, at approximately 9:20 p.m., LAPD Newton Area patrol officers responded to an "Ambulance Shooting" call on the 4400 block of south Honduras Street. Upon their arrival, officers discovered six individuals who had been shot in what appeared to be a drive-by shooting.

The initial investigation revealed that the victims were standing in front of an apartment building, when a small compact vehicle drove by and one of the car’s occupants opened fire upon the group. A barrage of bullets was fired from the vehicle as it fled in an unknown direction.

Two male victims died at the scene. Dante Baker, 24 years-old, and 17 year-old Manuel Arvizo, both of Los Angeles, were pronounced dead as a result of gunshot wounds. The four unidentified victims were transported to a local hospital where they are expected to survive.

Investigators believe the shooting is gang-related, yet it is unclear whether any victims were gang members.

Newton Area Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to call 213-485-5277. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the toll free information number at Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section.