What:
Candle light vigil planned in support of shooting victim

When:
Saturday, July 12, 2001
7:00 to 9:00 P.M.

Where:
1923 E. Pennsylvania Avenue
Los Angeles.

Los Angeles: On Saturday, July 14 2001, beginning at 7:00 P.M., LAPD Senior Lead Officer John Pedroza will be coordinating a community candle light vigil in support of Elizabeth Thomas and her family. Eleven year-old Elizabeth was the innocent victim of a gang-related shooting which occurred on July 7, 2001.

On that date, at 3:45 P.M., two male Hispanics, described as gang members, became involved in a shooting in the 1900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. One of the rounds fired in that shooting struck young Elizabeth above her eye as she lay sleep.

Although critically injured, Elizabeth was alert when she was transported to the University of Southern California Medical Center. However, sometime later her brain began to swell and her condition worsened. She is currently listed in extremely critical condition.

This vigil is intended to rally the community in support of Elizabeth and her family during their trying times. A short "Stop the Violence Peace Walk" will follow the vigil.

Members of Elizabeth’s family will be present at the vigil and will be available for media interviews.

Anyone wishing to participate may contact SLO Pedroza at 213-509-7106.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.