Los Angeles: On Thursday, June 24, 2004, at about 5:25 a.m., an employee of Home Boy Industries, 35 year-old Miguel Rafael Gomez, was removing graffiti from multiple store-fronts in the 400 block of Breed Street. Unidentified suspects approached the victim and shot him.

The Los Angeles City Fire Rescue responded to the location and provided the victim with emergency medical treatment. The paramedics were unable to revive Mr. Gomez and pronounced him dead.

Homeboy Industries organizes the "Jobs For A Future" program. Jobs For A Future is a unique center where gang members, at-risk youth, and those recently released from detention facilities can find assistance with job placement, tattoo removal, counseling, community service opportunities and case management services. With the slogan, "Jobs Not Jails", the program offers a second chance for at-risk, gang-impacted young men and women. Homeboy Industries can be reached for comment at 323-526-1254.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Ricard or Detective Preciado, at 323-526-3091. On weekends and during off-hours, contact 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 Sandra Escalante, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.