Los Angeles: On May 23, 2004 at approximately 12:30 a.m., North Hollywood patrol officers responded to a radio call regarding shots being fired in the 7200 block of Fulton Avenue.

Upon arrival, the officers observed the victim of what appeared to be a gunshot wound, lying on the sidewalk. The victim, who has been identified as Dave Cortez, a 21 year-old resident of North Hollywood, died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

The investigation has revealed that Cortez and his cousin were walking northbound on Fulton Avenue approaching Sherman Way. The suspects approached Cortez and his cousin and words were possibly exhanged. One of the suspects armed himself with a handgun and shot Cortez several times. The suspects then left the area in an unknown type of car.

The motive appears to be gang related, there is no further description of the suspects and their vehicle and the weapon used is not in custody.

North Hollywood Detectives are conducting the investigation and are asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Detectives Townsend or Alegria at 818-623-4045. A 24-hour toll free number is available at 1-877-529-3855.

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