77th Street Detectives Investigate Homicide

Los Angeles: On Saturday, August 25, 2001, at approximately 1:50 A.M., Jose Esturado Rodriguez, 23 years old, was sitting in his car on the southeast corner of 59th Street and Estrella Avenue. A male Black suspect, armed with a handgun, approached from the west and fired multiple gunshots at Mr. Rodriguez, striking him in the upper torso. The suspect then fled the location westbound in a waiting vehicle driven by a second male Black suspect. The wounded victim drove his vehicle northbound Estrella Avenue where it came to rest against another vehicle parked on the street.

A relative of the victim who heard the shooting, responded to the victim’s location. Seeing the condition of the victim, the relative moved the victim to his vehicle and drove away in an attempt to find a hospital. When no hospital could be located the relative called 911 from his cell phone. A Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance responded to the victim’s location, Washington and Vermont Avenues where they rendered aid. The victim was transported by the paramedics to a local hospital, where he died as the result of his injuries.

The motive for this incident appears to be gang related.

77th Street Homicide Detectives Armando Bernal and Blair McCormack are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is urged to call detectives at 213-485-1385, or the Watch Commander at 213-485-2389. This information was provided by Detective M. V. Mahoney.

This press release was prepared by Information Police Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.