Los Angeles: Rampart Area detectives are investigating the shooting of a 19 year-old Hispanic man. The crime is believed to be motivated by hate.

On June 15, 2004, at about 10:40 p.m., Rampart Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the 3800 block of West Beverly Boulevard.

Upon arrival the officers found the victim down inside of a restaurant, suffering from a gunshot wound. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital. The victim was listed in critical but stable condition.

The investigation revealed that when the victim walked past a man and a woman in the restaurant, the woman made a derogatory remark to him regarding his sexual orientation. The victim answered the woman and an argument started. During the argument the man pulled out a handgun and shot the victim once in the torso. Both the man and the woman drove off in a white pick-up truck driven by a Hispanic man.

The shooter was described as a Hispanic man, 20-25 years of age, black hair, 5’ 8", 150 lbs.

The woman was described as Hispanic woman, 18-20 years of age, blonde hair, 5’ 8", 110 lbs.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Rampart Area Detectives, at 213-207-2000. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

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