Los Angeles: On July 11, 2004, at around 8:00 p.m., Foothill Area patrol officers responded to the report of "shots fired" at the 12900 block of Corcoran Street.

When the officers arrived, they met with numerous victims and witnesses who said that an argument and fight broke out between two neighboring families. During the physical altercation, an unidentified male drew a handgun and fired multiple random shots at the combatants as well as the onlookers. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, approximately 19 years old, who stands 6’0 to 6’3" and has a slender build.

A total of nine people were struck by gunfire. One of the victims, Avelardo Rodriguez, age 24, was transported to a local hospital, but died from a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Along with Avelardo Rodriguez, one male, age 17, was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the upper chest. He was admitted in serious but stable condition. Four victims were taken to another hospital; two were females, both age 21, who were treated for gunshot wounds to their legs and two were males, ages 12 and 15, who were treated for gun shot wounds to their arms and legs. Two male victims, ages 23 and 26, were transported to a third hospital for gunshot wounds to their ankles and legs. The last victim was transported to a medical center with a graze wound to his wrist. Most of the victims were treated and released for non-life threatening wounds. Their identities have been withheld as requested by the families. The motive appears to be an on-going neighbor dispute with possible gang or tagger influence.

The suspect was last seen leaving the location in a dark colored Sport Utility Vehicle moments after the shooting. Neither the suspect or the murder weapon have been found.

The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance to locate the suspect and is asking anyone with information to contact Foothill Homicide Detectives at 818-834-3110 during normal business hours. On weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detective Information desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.