Who: Los Angeles City Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa, Captain Al Michelena, Commanding Officer, Robbery-Homicide Division, Robbery-Homicide Detectives

What: News Conference

When: Wednesday, February 18, 2004, at 4:30 p.m.

Where: Villa Sombrero Restaurant-Crime Scene, 6101 York Boulevard, Highland Park

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department and the Office of Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa will be conducting a news conference to ask the public’s help in locating a murder suspect.

On July 5, 2003, at 8:15 p.m., Mrs. Virginia Alvarez and her husband, Gustavo Alvarez, arrived at the "Villa Sombrero" Restaurant located at 6101 York Boulevard in Highland Park. When Mrs. Alvarez exited her car, a gunman approached her on foot and for no apparent reason, shot and killed Mrs. Alvaerez.

The Los Angeles City Council has approved a $25,000 reward at the request of Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa. The reward is for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect responsible for the death of Mrs. Alvarez.

Mrs. Alvarez was 37 years old and is survived by her three young children and her husband, her mother, and sisters. She was employed by the County of Los Angeles, assigned to the Sheriff’s Department as a civilian employee.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Robbery-Homicide Division Detectives, at 213-485-2531. 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).

This news advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.