Los Angeles - On Thursday, January 11, 2001 at approximately 11:00 a.m., the victim, identified as Enrique Otero, 42 years old, was at the bus stop on the corner of 5th Street and Olive in the downtown area. The victim approached an unknown suspect and engaged in a conversation in Spanish. At one point during this brief conversation, the suspect struck the victim in the head with an unknown object before fleeing west bound on 5th Street. The injured victim collapsed at the scene with a head injury.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported the victim to Los Angeles County General Hospital were he was admitted for treatment.

On Friday, January 12, 2001, at 10:42 a.m., the victim expired as a result of his injuries.

The motive in this case has not been determined.

Homicide Detectives from Central Area Operations Support Division are conducting the investigation. Any one with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to call Detective C. Shepard, or L. Barr at 213-485-2671.

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.