WHAT:
Press Conference to Announce the Arrest and Details Regarding the Murder of 68 Year-Old Carmelo Montes

WHEN:
Friday, October 10, 2003
3:00 p.m.

WHERE:
77^th Area Police Station in the Interior Courtyard (rear to the station)
7600 South Broadway
Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Today at approximately 8:30 a.m., two male black suspects in a blue Chevrolet confronted and shot at several male Hispanic gang members at 75^th street and Central Ave. The suspects in the vehicle fired an assault riffle at the group of gang members. The group of gang members then returned fire with their own handguns.

During the exchange of gunfire, a female bystander, 15 years of age, was struck by gunfire in her right arm. She is in stable condition.

The suspects in the vehicle proceeded to 76^th Street and Wadsworth Avenue and encountered 68 year-old Carmelo Montes, as he was with two of his grandchildren ages two and five years. The suspects proceeded through the neighborhood at a high rate of speed, and recklessly brandished the assault rifle outside of the vehicle, firing additional rounds. Mr. Montes who resides in the immediate area was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground.

Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and worked valiantly to save Mr. Montes’ life. He was then transported to Martin Luther King Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A member of the community witnessed the senseless murder and actions of the suspects during and following the occurrence. This witness significantly assisted Los Angeles Police Officers in identifying the involved suspects’ vehicle and several suspects who may be involved in this murder.

Anyone with information regarding this murder is urged to contact 77^th Street Homicide Detectives at 213-485-1383. On weekends and during off-hours, contact the 24-hour hotline at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.