Los Angeles-- On Friday, September 12, 2003, at about 1:50 a.m., Armando Alverez, an 18 year-old male Hispanic, was shot and killed while he and two friends were filling their car with gas. They were at the Arco gas station located at 45^th Street and Avalon Boulevard. The gunman approached them and demanded to know what gang they were from. For no apparent reason, the suspects opened fire, shooting Armando in the upper torso, killing him on scene. An 18 year-old male Hispanic in the area was also shot. He was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in serious condition.

The suspects responsible for the shooting are described as male Hispanics. This murder is gang related.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Newton Homicide Detectives at 323-846-5363. On weekends and during off-hours, please contact the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Adriana N. Sanchez, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.