Los Angeles: On Wednesday, November 14, 2001, at approximately 2:10 a.m., 20 year-old Noel Rodriguez of Los Angeles was talking with some friends in the parking lot of a local Burger King Restaurant, located on the 7200 block of South Figueroa Street. Two suspects, described only as two male Hispanics between the ages of 18-20, approached the group on foot and questioned them regarding there whereabouts. One or both of the suspects then pulled out a handgun and began shooting at the crowd. Only victim Rodriguez was struck multiple times in the upper torso by the gunfire. The victim was transported to Martin Luther King Hospital where he failed to respond to treatment and was pronounced dead.

The motive for the incident appears to be gang-related. The method of the suspects' escape is not known at this time. The suspects and weapon(s) remain outstanding.

77^th Street Detectives are handling the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detectives C. Tizano and M. Esquivel at 213- 485-1385 during daytime hours or the Department Command Post at 213-485-2504 during evening hours and weekends.

This press release was prepared by Police Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.