Los Angeles: On Monday, January 19, 2004, at about 8:00 p.m., Northeast Area Police Officers responded to a radio call of, "Shots Fired" in the area of the 5600 block of Monte Vista Street. Upon the officers’ arrival, they discovered three victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital were 17 year old, Ruben Antonio Patino died from his injuries, the other two victims are listed in stable condition.

Preliminary reports indicate the victims were walking southbound on the 5600 block of Monte Vista Street when an older model, black, Honda with tinted windows travelling northbound on Monte Vista Street stopped next to them. The right rear passenger of the vehicle described as a male Hispanic, 16-19 years of age, produced a handgun and fired several times out of the vehicle window, striking the three victims. The vehicle fled the location northbound Monte Vista Street.

The motive for the shooting appears to be gang related and the suspect’s identities are unknown at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Northeast Area Homicide Detectives at 213-846-4261. 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 release was prepared by Public Information Officer Sandra Escalante, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.