Los Angeles: On January 28, 2003, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Newton Area officers observed a vehicle in the middle of Central Avenue and 42^nd Place. The officers approached the 2003, Lincoln Town car and discovered a female Black covered in blood, sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle.

The victim, Karen Johnson, a 34 year-old female Black from Rialto, had been shot in the face. The passenger, Ronald Dillard, a 22 year-old male Black from Los Angeles, was shot in the head.

Both victims were transported to a local hospital where Dillard was pronounced dead and Johnson was listed in critical condition.

The motive is unknown at this time.

Newton Area Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to call 213-485-5277. 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 press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Adriana N. Sanchez, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.