WHO:
A Representative from Councilman Tom LeBonge’s Office, Hollywood Area Homicide Detectives, and Members of the Victims Family.

WHAT:
Press Conference Requesting the Public’s Assistance in Capturing the Suspects Responsible for the Death of Ryan Groetken.

WHEN:
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
1:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Hollywood Police Station
1358 North Wilcox.

Los Angeles: Homicide detectives are requesting the public's help in capturing the murder suspects responsible for the murder of Ryan Groetken.

On Monday, May 19, 2003 at 2:48 a.m., police officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division responded to a radio call of a vehicle taken in a robbery with shots fired, in the 1800 block of North Cherokee Avenue.

Arriving officers observed a male, the victim of a gunshot wound, lying on the sidewalk. Friends of the victim, Ryan Groetken, informed officers that two male Black suspects confronted Groetken and demanded his personal property. One of the suspects then shot the victim. At least one suspect fled in the victim’s vehicle.

Detectives have now identified all suspects involved in the murder/carjacking. Arrest warrants have been issued. Detectives will show photographs and give detailed descriptions of all the wanted suspects at the press conference.

The city council has approved a $25,000 dollar reward for information leading to the suspects arrest and conviction.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who can provide information as to the suspect’s location, please contact Hollywood Area Homicide Detectives, at 213-485-9168. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Grace Brady, Media Relations Sections, 213-485-3586.