Los Angeles: On Friday, May 23, 2003, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the victim, identified as 18-year old Jerry Ramirez, was driving his vehicle westbound on 4^th street at Boyle Avenue. Ramirez was in the number one lane stopped for a red tri-light signal when an older model full size van, gray in color, stopped next to his vehicle. The passenger in the right front seat of the van asked the victim, "where you from?" and then fired one round at Ramirez. The suspects then fled the location southbound on Boyle Avenue. The motive is believed to be gang related.

Ramirez’s friends, who were in passengers in his vehicle at the time of the shooting, drove him to White Memorial Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Ramirez received one gunshot wound and subsequently died from his injury.

The public's assistance is needed in solving this murder. Anyone with information is asked to contact Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives at 323-526-3142 during normal business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

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