Los Angeles - On Sunday, May 27, 2001, at approximately 2:00 A. M., the victim, Hermelinda Garay, 44 years old, was lying down on the sofa in the living room of her son's residence, located at 158 East 82nd Place, Los Angeles. At that time an unknown suspect, or suspects, drove by in an unknown vehicle traveling southbound Wall Street from 82nd Place, and fired numerous rounds into the residence. One of the rounds fired, struck Mrs. Garay in her back, fatally wounding her. The victim was transported to Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital where she died as the result of the gunshot injuries at 2:41 A.M.

The motive for this crime is unknown at this time.

The suspect(s) and the weapon(s) remain outstanding.

Detectives from 77th Street Operations Support Division are conducting the homicide investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detectives Armando Bernal and Richard Jackson at 77th Street Homicide, 213-485-1385 or 77th Street Watch Commander at 213-485-2389.

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