Los Angeles: On Saturday, July 28, 2001, at approximately 2:20 P.M., Kenneth Johnson, age 23, was standing in the 2300 block of Griffith Avenue with several friends. A gold colored vehicle with two suspects drove up to the group and stopped. Two suspects got out of the car and approached, one was armed with a handgun. Mr. Johnson and his friends attempted to run away and the suspect fired at the group. The victim sustained one gunshot wound to the back. He was transported to a local area hospital where death was pronounced at 3:06 P.M.

The suspects were described only as two male Hispanics, driving a gold colored vehicle, last seen westbound on 23^rd Street.

The motive appears to be gang related. No suspects or weapon are in custody. The investigation is being conducted by Newton Area Homicide Detectives. Anyone with information is asked to call Detectives Linn or Worrell at 323-846-6556 or after hours 323-846-6547.

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