Los Angeles: On Saturday, March 27, 2004, at about 9:15 a.m., Van Nuys Patrol Officers responded to a Shots Fired radio call at the 8200 block of Sepulveda Place.

When the officers arrived they found a victim who had been shot in the upper body. The victim, later identified as Ara Azaryan, a 23 year old resident of Reseda, was transported to a local hospital by the responding Fire Department Rescue Ambulance. However, Mr. Azaryan died at the hospital as a result of his injuries. A relative of Mr. Azaryan, who was with him during the shooting, was not injured.

The preliminary motive for the shooting appears to be gang related.

The investigation is being conducted by Van Nuys Homicide Detectives. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to call the Van Nuys Homicide Unit at 818-756-8370. On weekends or during off-hours please call the toll free, 24-hour Detective Information Desk number at 1-877- LAWFULL (877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3585.