What: Press Conference Requesting Public’s Help in Identifying Killer of Jonathan Merino Escalante.

Who: Wilshire Area Homicide Detectives and Family Members of the Murder Victim

When: Friday, June 13, 2003, 11:00 a.m.

Where: Wilshire Area Police Station, 4861 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Wilshire Homicide Detectives are investigating the murder of 25 year-old Jonathan Merino Escalante a resident of Arleta.

On Sunday, June 8, 2003, at about 2:15 a.m., Escalante was seated in his vehicle with a female friend in front of a residence located in the 3000 block of West. 12^th Street when a suspect approached and robbed the pair at gunpoint. Escalante attempted to escape but was shot.

The suspect ran away from the crime scene and got into a light blue older model Chevy Suburban, that was driven by another suspect.

Escalante’s death was tragic on several levels. He was in the process of donating a kidney to a family friend, which was a perfect match. His untimely death prevented a life saving effort.

A composite drawing of the suspect will be available for the media during the press conference, and is also available at LAPD’s Media Relations Section, 150 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles.

Anyone with information regarding this murder is urged to contact Wilshire Homicide Detectives at 213 473-0444. On weekends and during off-hours, contact the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

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