Los Angeles: On Saturday, February 23, 2002, at approximately 2:45 a.m., 24 year-old Manuel Aristides Rivas was standing on the corner of James M. Wood Boulevard and Westmoreland Avenue when an unknown suspect or suspects drove up in a vehicle and fired upon him. Mr. Rivas was struck in the head and fell in the gutter near the intersection where he was standing. Responding City of Los Angeles Fire Department personnel transported Rivas to USCMC Hospital. Rivas received medical treatment, however he failed to respond and died the next day on Sunday, February 24, 2002.

The motive for the shooting appears to be gang-related. There are no suspect, vehicle or weapon descriptions at this time.

Anyone with information regarding the murder of Manuel Aristides Rivas should contact Wilshire Homicide Detectives Holroyd or Parshall at 213 473-0408. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.