Los Angeles: On Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at about 2:25 p.m., 27 year old Jermale Haywood was working on his vehicle in the 800 Block of West 97th Street. Suspects driving a black SUV stopped their vehicle in front of the victim. The suspect seated in the front passenger seat asked the victim, "What are you doing?" The suspect then pointed a handgun at the victim and began firing. Haywood was shot multiple times. A second victim, 46 year old Donald Lawrence, was standing nearby and was also struck by gunfire.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and transported both victims to Martin Luther King Hospital. Haywood died as a result of his injuries, while Lawrence was treated for a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and released.

The motive for the shooting and the identities of the suspects are unknown at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Southeast Homicide Detectives at 213-485-6902. On weekends and during off-hours, contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s 24-hour hotline at 1-877-LAWFULL,1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer John Moreno, Media Relation Section, 213-485-3586.