Los Angeles: On Saturday, September 15, 2001, at approximately 9:45 P.M., Gabriel Crespo, 25 years old, and his companion Ricardo Cabrera, 24 years old, were standing in the driveway of a friend’s house at 1143 West 66^th Street, Los Angeles. The suspects drove up in a dark, 2-door, small compact car. The driver of the car asked Mr. Crespo and Mr. Cabrera what gang they were affiliated with. Despite Crespo's and Cabrera's answer denying any gang affiliation, the suspect aimed an assault rifle and opened fire on the two unsuspecting victims. The suspect sped away eastbound 66th Street towards Vermont Avenue immediately after the shooting.

Mr. Crespo sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso in the attack, while Mr. Cabrera was not injured. Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Unit responded to the scene and transported Mr. Crespo to Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital where he died as the result of his injuries.

The motive for this attack is gang related. The suspect(s) and weapon remain outstanding.

77^th Street Homicide Detectives Charles Tizano and Michelle Esquivel-Solis are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is requested to call 77^th Street Homicide detectives at 213-485-1385 or after hours, the Department Command Post at 213-485-2504.

Detective III Rudy Lemos provided this information.

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