Los Angeles: On Wednesday, February 19, 2003, at approximately 6:40 p.m., North Hollywood Division patrol officers responded to a "Citizens Holding an Attempt Robbery Suspect", call at a location in the 8300 block of San Fernando Road. As the officers arrived they discovered the victim, a 49 year-old male Hispanic, lying in the parking lot of the location. The victim was unconscious and appeared to have been severely battered. The Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics were summoned to the scene. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation revealed that the victim, a local transient, had approached an individual at the location and asked for money. When the individual refused the request, a physical altercation took place between the victim and the other individual. Several persons joined in the fight, including friends of both the parties.

The identity of the victim is being withheld, pending the notification of the family.

Anyone with information is urged to call North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 818-623-4075. On weekends and off-hours, contact the 24-hour toll free number of the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This press release was prepared by Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.