Los Angeles - On Sunday, May 27, 2001, at approximately 1:15 A. M., Van Nuys Patrol Officers responded to a Radio Call "Assault with a Deadly Weapon Investigation" at 13652 Cantara Street. Upon the officers' arrival they found a female victim, later identified as Sandra Alzaga, 23 years of age, and a resident of the Panorama City, dead from a gunshot wound.

The investigation revealed that Ms. Alzaga, along with four other occupants in her vehicle, were fired upon as they traveled westbound in the 13400 block of Vanowen Street. One bullet fired at the group struck Ms. Alzaga in the upper torso. Her friends transported her to Kaiser Hospital, where she died as a result of her injury.

It is believed that the crime is gang related, but the motive has not been established at this time.

Detectives from Van Nuys Operations Support Division are conducting the homicide investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to call the Van Nuys Homicide Unit at 818-756-8377 or, during non-business hours, the Van Nuys Watch Commander at
818-756-8346.

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