Los Angeles: On Sunday, October 12, 2003 at 4:15 a.m., the victim and a friend were walking together in the 4000 block of Hillcrest Drive. The suspect’s vehicle pulled up and stopped, and one of the occupants, made gang related remarks towards the victim. Then one of the occupants exited the vehicle and chased after the victim as he fled for his safety. The suspect fired numerous rounds at the victim striking him in the upper torso. The suspect then got back into the vehicle which drove northbound on Hillcrest Drive towards Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Los Angeles City Paramedics responded to the scene and rendered aid to the victim. The victim failed to respond to treatment and died at the scene from his injuries. The victim is not known to have any gang ties and appears to be the innocent victim of gang related violence.

The suspects are described only as four male Hispanics, and their vehicle is described as, a newer model, dark in color, SUV. No weapon is in custody and the motive appears to be gang related.

Southwest Area Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation and are seeking assistance from the public is solving this crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Frank Weber or Jim Yoshida at 213- 485-2417. A 24-hour toll free number is available at 1-877-529-3855.

This media release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.