Los Angeles: Rampart Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the death of a male Hispanic approximately 20-25 years of age.

On January 20, 2004, at about 3:15 p.m., Rampart Area patrol officers responded to a death investigation call in the 1300 block of Emerald Drive. Upon arrival, the officers received information from Los Angeles Fire Department personnel that they had also responded and found the victim in the roadway. The victim was located near the intersection of Emerald Street and Emerald Drive. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

The investigation revealed that the victim was standing next to a car when he was confronted by an unknown suspect. The suspect fired several rounds striking the victim in the upper body. The suspects then fled the scene.

The motive for the shooting is unknown. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification to his family.

Anyone with information regarding this murder is requested to contact Rampart Area Homicide Detectives, at 213-207-2060. On weekends or 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 Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.