WHAT:
Press Conference to Announce Arrest of Two Juvenile Murder Suspects

WHEN:
Thursday, September 18, 2003
5:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Southeast Area Community Police Station (front of police station)
145 West 108^th Street
Los Angeles

Los Angeles : On September 18, 2003, at about 8:00 a.m., victims 21 year-old Kevin Jones and a 16 year- old male companion, were seated in a vehicle stopped for the Metro Line train at 103^rd Street and Grandee Avenue. Two male Black juvenile suspects, 14 and 16 years of age, approached the vehicle and without warning both took out handguns and began firing at the vehicle. Both victims inside the vehicle were shot. The suspects then ran away from the area.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics transported the victims to a local hospital where Jones succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead. The juvenile victim is listed in serious condition.

As Patrol Officers and Detectives were securing the crime scene, two concerned citizens walked into the front desk at Southeast Area Police Station. The citizens reported that they observed the shooting at 103^rd Street and Grandee Avenue, then followed the suspects to a residence. Homicide detectives responded to the residence, and while securing the location, a vehicle drove up and two young men matching the suspect’s description ran from the house and got into the waiting vehicle. The detectives stopped and detained all occupants of the vehicle. The subsequent investigation by Southeast Homicide detectives led to the identification of the two juvenile suspects involved in the shooting death of Kevin Jones and attempt murder of the juvenile victim.

Additional citizens in the area of the shooting came forward with information that is assisting with the investigation. Without the assistance of these conscientious community members, this shooting could have been easily a case that went unsolved.

The motive for this shooting is gang related.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident should contact Southeast Area Detectives at 213-485-6902. On weekends and off-hours, contact the 24-hour toll free number at the Detectives Information Desk, 1-877- LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.