Los Angeles: On Saturday, September 21, 2002, at approximately 2:10 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to several calls of cars speeding and shots being fired in the 3000 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Upon arrival, the officers discovered a 17 year-old male who had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics. He did not respond to life saving treatment and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Follow-up investigation has revealed that the victim was a passenger in a green 1995 Nissan Altima with friends. At about 2:00 a.m., they were driving in the area of Sunset Boulevard and Laurel Avenue, in the Hollywood Area, when words were exchanged with the occupants of a [possible] black Cadillac. The victim and his friends attempted to break off contact by turning off of Sunset Boulevard. The Cadillac began chasing them north on Laurel Canyon Boulevard. As the chase proceeded numerous shots were fired at the victim and his friends, striking their vehicle numerous times. The chase terminated in the 3000 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The victim and his friends exited their car and began running away when several more shots were fired at them. The Cadillac then drove off in an unknown direction.

The suspects were described as [possibly] three male Hispanics, shaved heads, 20-25 years of age. The suspects’ vehicle is a possible late model Cadillac, 4-door, black, with factory spoke rims.

The victim has been identified as Luis Hernandez of Los Angeles.

No suspects have been identified and the motive appears to be gang-related.

Anyone with information should contact Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 213-485-6410. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

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