Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Southwest Area homicide detectives are investigating the death of a 16 year-old male who was killed during a violent game of who could hit "the hardest."

On Saturday, July 26, 2003, at about 10:45 p.m., Los Angeles resident Hedson Martinez and an unidentified 17 year-old male were gathering with a group of friends in anticipation of attending a party. Martinez and the other male began to hit each other in a competitive manner. Each combatant began to strike the other in the chest. Martinez was struck so hard that he fell backwards to the ground and began to have difficulty breathing. Paramedics were called to the scene and Martinez was taken to a local hospital where he later died. The other male combatant was not arrested and the incident is under investigation. The name of the suspect was not released because he is a juvenile.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident should contact the Southwest Area Homicide Detectives at 213-485-2418. On weekends and during off-hours, contact the 24 hour-toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

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