Los Angeles - Central Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the stabbing death of a male Hispanic who was approximately 55 years of age.

On Saturday, June 16, 2001, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a female witness tried to stop a fight at 7^th Street and Ceres Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. While intervening, the suspect stabbed the witness with an unknown sharp object. The witness left the area to tend to her injury. She returned to the area approximately one hour later and was told by an unidentified witness who observed both assaults, that the same suspect assaulted both the victim and the witness.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes, 5'4", weighing 180 pounds, medium complexion, and approximately 30 years of age with a scar on the left cheek.

The victim's identity has not been established.

The motive for the stabbing has not been determined.

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