Los Angeles: On Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 8:30 a.m., Newton Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call at 110 1/2 East 68^th Street. Upon arrival, the officers found J. Salome Flores Benitez, a 45 year-old male Hispanic, dead from gunshot wounds at the scene. Mr. Benitez was working as a mechanic at the location.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was approached by an unidentified male Hispanic who engaged him in an argument. The suspect pulled out a handgun and shot Mr. Benitez. At this time, it is unclear what the argument was about or why the suspect shot Benitez. Witnesses last saw the suspect, on foot, southbound on Main Street and then in an unknown direction.

This shooting does not appear to be gang related. The suspect was only described as a male Hispanic.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is requested to contact Newton Area Homicide Detectives at 323-846-6556. On weekends and during off-hours, contact 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 Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213 485-3586.