Los Angeles: On December 30, 2001, at approximately 7:35 p.m., 31 year-old Joseph Ray Paul was walking in front of the Blockbuster Video store located at 5400 South Western Avenue, when two male Blacks, that had just robbed the video store at gunpoint, stopped Mr. Paul outside the video store. One of the suspects fired one round from an unknown type firearm, striking Mr. Paul in the head. The suspects then fled on foot.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported Mr. Paul to a local hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed the motive was robbery. The suspects and the weapon are outstanding.

Persons with information regarding this matter may contact 77^th Street Homicide Division at 213-485-1385. On weekends and during off-hours, call a 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1877-529-3855.

When:
Thursday, February 14, 2002
1:15 p.m.

Where:
Blockbuster Video store
5400 South Western Avenue
Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Several days after being shot, Joseph Ray Paul succumbed to his injuries. On February 14, 2002, Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, Los Angeles Police Department Chief of Police Bernard C. Parks and other Department representatives, will participate in a media event to announce the arrest of two male suspects responsible for the murder of Joseph Ray Paul.

Shortly after 77^th Street Homicide Detectives began the investigation into this case, Robbery-Homicide Division assumed the investigative responsibility, for the murder of Joseph Ray Paul, and worked closely with 77^th Street Homicide detectives in an effort to solve this crime. As a result of information received during the course of the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for the arrest of Anthony Dent, in connection with the murder of Joseph Ray Paul. On February 8, 2002, Anthony Dent was arrested and booked for the murder of Joseph Ray Paul.

The second suspect was in custody, prior to Dent's arrest, as a result of a previous law enforcement encounter. He remains in custody.

This press release was prepared by Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.