Los Angeles: On Friday, October 19, 2001, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Wilshire Division patrol officers responded to the scene of a "Shots Fired" call, on the 1400 block of South Carmona Drive. Upon arrival, the officers were notified by witnesses that the victim, a 23 year-old male Black (later identified as Desmond Bevel) had been transported to Midway Hospital by a friend. Officers responded to Midway Hospital, where they were informed that Bevel had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head and had been pronounced dead by emergency personnel.

According to witnesses statements, Bevel was sitting in the passenger seat of a parked vehicle in front of 1400 block of South Carmona Avenue speaking to a pedestrian. Several shots were heard on the passenger side of the car and Bevel was apparently struck in the head as he attempted to protect himself from the gunfire.

The motive for the murder is under investigation, and no suspect or weapon have yet been identified.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Wilshire Homicide Unit, and direct their information to Detectives Holroyd, Fajardo or Dupree, at 213-473-0400, 213-473-0444, or after 5:00 PM at 213-485-4022.

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