Los Angeles: On March 31, 2001 at approximately 3:30 a.m., Rampart Patrol Officers responded to 150 North Westmoreland Avenue to investigate a traffic accident. Upon arrival the officers located the victim on the ground bleeding from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported the victim to USC Medical Center where he died as a result of his injuries.

The investigation revealed the victim's friends had been involved in an altercation earlier in the evening. The victim and witnesses had gone to the location to locate the individuals who were involved in the earlier altercation. The victim and witnesses confronted a group at the location, at which time an unknown suspect fired several shots, striking the victim in the upper torso.

The victim fell back into the vehicle as the driver backed up in an attempt to flee for safety. The victim's vehicle collided with several parked cars as it fled from the scene. The victim was tossed from the vehicle as it continued backing up, and just prior to colliding with another parked vehicle.

The suspect who did the shooting is described as a male Hispanic in his twenties, shaved head, wearing a black and gray short sleeve shirt.

The motive for the shooting is believed to be gang related. The suspects and weapon used are still being sought. The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the Rampart Homicide Unit at 213-207-2051.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.