Los Angeles: On March 11, 2002, at approximately 7:05 p.m., 77^th Street Area Community Police Station police officers received a radio call of "Shots Fired" in the 8300 block of S. Figueroa Avenue. Upon their arrival, officers discovered four victims of a drive-by shooting. City of Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and administered emergency medical treatment to the victims. Two shooting victims, 47 year-old Ruby Nell Ceasar, and 41 year-old Derrick Brooks, were fatally wounded. Two other male Black victims were struck by gunfire, and transported to local hospitals. They are listed in stable condition.

Following the initial shooting, a 20 year-old male Black bicyclist followed an unknown number of male Black suspects traveling in a white Chevrolet Caprice on Figueroa Avenue toward 74^th Street. Noting they were being followed, the suspects fired at the bicyclist, striking him in the leg. The bicyclist was transported by responding paramedics to a local hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his leg, and is listed in stable condition.

The unknown male Black suspects, their white Chevrolet Caprice and weapons remain outstanding. The shootings are believed to be gang-related.

Persons with information regarding this matter may contact 77^th Street Homicide Detectives at 213-485-1385. On weekends and during off-hours, call a 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1877-529-3855.

Officer Alex Baez, Media Relations Section prepared this press release,213-485-3586.