Los Angeles - On Saturday, January 27, 2000, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Rampart patrol officers responded to an "Assault with a Deadly Weapon in progress" radio call in the 1300 block of West 7^th Street. Upon arrival, the officers observed the first victim lying on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound. The officers then observed the suspect in a physical altercation with a witness. The witness told officers that the suspect had shot the victim who was lying on the sidewalk. The officers took the suspect into custody.

Rescue ambulances responded to the scene and pronounced the first victim dead at the scene. The second victim was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted in critical condition with a gunshot wound. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital where he was treated for injuries received in the altercation with the witness. The suspect was then arrested for murder and booked at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center.

The suspect has been identified as Javier Hernandez Juarez, a 36-year-old Hispanic male, of Los Angeles.

The investigation revealed that the second victim, Miguel Silva, was in an earlier physical altercation with the suspect, and three other male Hispanics. Silva returned to the location with family members and confronted the group. A physical altercation ensued between Juarez and Silva. Juarez produced a handgun and began firing at both victims. The witnesses overpowered Juarez and detained him until police arrived.

The suspect and the weapon are both in custody. The deceased victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The investigation is being conducted by Detective King and Detective Valdez, Rampart Homicide Unit, Sergeant Pasos, Rampart Community Police Station at 213-207-2051.

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