Los Angeles: On Thursday, July 26, 2001, at approximately 8:20 a.m., a sewing machine operator who has been identified as, 37 year old Apolinar Aguilar, was enroute to his place of employment at 714 South Los Angeles Street. He rode the elevator to the 4^th floor and exited. As he was about to enter his business, unknown suspect(s) approached and shot him.

A Los Angeles Police Department motorcycle officer was nearby and responded within moments to citizen reports of gunfire. When the officer arrived, he discovered Mr. Aguilar lying in the hallway. The officer was unable to locate any suspect(s). Los Angeles City paramedics responded to the location and pronounced Mr. Aguilar dead at the scene. No motive has been established.

Central Area Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the motive for the shooting or identity of the suspect(s) is asked to call 213-485-6593.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.