Los Angeles: Central Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the stabbing death of a 51 year-old male Filipino.

On Friday September 20, 2002, at approximately 6:50 p.m., the victim was involved in a verbal confrontation with a male Hispanic in the 300 block of South Hill Street for unknown reasons. The dispute escalated and the suspect armed himself with a knife and stabbed the victim in the upper torso.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics transported the victim to USC Medical Center where he was treated. The victim failed to respond and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The suspect in this case has not been identified at this time.

The victim's identity has been established as Romeo Ortega Garcia and his next of kin has been notified.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is urged to contact Central Homicide Detectives at 213-485-6593. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-866-529-3855.

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