Los Angeles: On November 30, 2003, at approximately 2:45 a.m., a 24 year old male Hispanic and a friend, a 25 year old male Hispanic, were sitting in a vehicle in the 1300 block of East 45^th Street. An unknown type vehicle approached and stopped next to the victims’ vehicle. A male occupant of the vehicle got out and asked the victims what their gang affiliation was. Both victims denied any gang connection. The suspect armed himself with an unknown type of handgun and shot both victims. The suspect got back into his vehicle and left the area. The 24 year old victim died at the scene and the 25 year old victim was transported to a local area hospital. He has been listed in critical condition. Their identities will not be released pending notification of the next of kin.

There is no description of the suspect vehicle and the suspects are described only as male Hispanics. At this time the shooting appears to be gang related.

Newton Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation and can be contacted at 323-846-6556. 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.