50K Reward Offered for Murder Suspect who Killed Innocent Bystander NR10321ah

June 24, 2010

Los Angeles: A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect who murdered a man on the street in South Los Angeles on March 23, 2010.

Fifty-one-year-old Mario De Leon was walking with his wife just before 6 p.m. near 29th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard when two men walking on the same side of the street but in opposite direction, began walking toward the couple.  One of the men pointed a handgun at another man who was walking behind the couple and fired multiple rounds.  The suspect missed his target and struck De Leon instead.  The victim collapsed on the sidewalk.  Paramedics rushed him to a local hospital where he died a short time later.  Detectives believe the shooting was not random, and the victim was not the intended target.  

The suspect remains at large and is described as a light complected African American or Hispanic between 18-20 years old, 5 feet 11 inches tall with a slim build.  He was last seen wearing a dark color baseball cap.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide Group detectives at 213-485-4341.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.