Los Angeles: On Monday, October 15, 2001 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the victim, Bennett Mba, a male Black, 17 years of age, walking northbound from 57^th Street on the westside of 6^th Avenue. Mba was on the sidewalk when unknown suspect(s) drove by in a white Mitsubishi SUV drove by westbound on 57^th Street and fired multiple rounds from an unknown type handgun at victim Mba. Mba sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Mba to a local hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries. The unknown suspect(s) were last seen driving away westbound 57^th Street towards 7^th Avenue.

The motive for this crime is unknown. The suspect(s) and weapon remain outstanding.

77^th Street Homicide Detectives are handling this investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detectives G. Diaz or W. Fallon at 213-485-1785 during daytime hours or the Department Command Post at 213-485-2504 during evening hours and weekends.

The press release was prepared by Police Officer Victoria Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.