Los Angeles: On Friday, May 16, 2003, at 11:57 p.m., Hollywood Division patrol officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 5800 block of Willoughby Avenue. Upon officers arrival they found two male Hispanics lying on the ground. Both men had sustained what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the location and transported the victims to a local hospital.

Javier Rangel, an 18 year-old resident of the area, was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at the hospital. The second victim, a twenty two year-old resident of the area, underwent surgery and is listed in stable condition.

Homicide Detectives have assumed investigative responsibility for this incident. Preliminary information has revealed that a male Hispanic gunman approached the victims on foot and began shooting. The victims had been attending a party at the location. The shooting is being investigated as a gang related crime.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 20-25 years of age, 5'10" tall with a medium build. He was wearing a black beanie cap that displayed an unknown type or white/gray emblem on the front, and was wearing a black sweater.

Detectives can be contacted directly by phoning 213-485-6410. Information can be phoned to a 24-hour toll free number, 1-877-529-3855.

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