Los Angeles: A local gang member was arrested for shooting and killing a 15-year-old victim, a resident of Los Angeles.

On Wednesday, November 23, 2005, at about 3:45 PM, the 15-year-old victim, a male Hispanic, was talking with friends in the 1300 block of west 39th Street.  The suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Felix Beltran, drove by in his 2005 Nissan Maxima.  The victim recognized Beltran as a rival gang member, got on his bicycle and rode away at a fast pace.  Beltran made a U-turn and drove pass the victim’s friends and caught up to the victim.  Beltran fired several shots at the victim, striking him in the head.  Beltran sped away from the scene.

The victim was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

Beltran was seen later driving his vehicle and he was taken into custody without incident.  He was booked for Attempt Murder and his bail was set at $500,000.  Beltran bailed out on the same day. 

On November 26, 2005, at 1:55 PM, the victim died from his injuries at the hospital.  Southwest Homicide Detectives Ed Clark and Stacey Szymkowiak were notified of the victim’s death.  The case was upgraded a Murder investigation.  Beltran was rearrested and was booked for Murder at Southwest Area Jail.  He is being held on a $1,000,000 bail.

The victim's name is not available for release pending notification to his family.

The motive is gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives Ed Clark or Stacey Szymkowiak, Southwest Area Homicide Section, at 213-485-2418.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).