Good Samaritan Killed While Trying to Help Victim

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, April 19, 2000

Los Angeles – On Wednesday, April 19, 2000, at 0015 hours, a shooting occurred in the 1200 block of Western Avenue. The victim, Osvaldo Godinez, a male Hispanic 21 years of age, was driving a 1995 Ford Taurus south on Western Avenue from 11th Street. Mr. Godinez observed four (4) male Blacks physically assaulting a male Hispanic at the south/east corner of Harrington Avenue and Western Avenue. Godinez stopped his vehicle in the middle of the street and told the suspects to stop assaulting the victim. At this time, one of the suspects removed a handgun from his waistband and fired several shots in Godinez’ direction, striking him in the upper portion of his body. Paramedics were summoned to the scene and attended to Godinez. Godinez was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspects fled the location in unknown direction.

The suspects are described as:

Male, Black, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, 150-160 pounds, 25-30 Years Old, bald head, wearing a white jacket and an earring in the right ear.
Male, Black, approximately 4 feet tall, weighing 70 Pounds, small afro hair style, wearing a blue sweater.
Male, Black, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, 160 pounds, about 20 years old, bald, wearing a blue jacket.
Male, Black, 6 feet tall, 120 pounds, about 27 years old.

For Release 10:00 am PST
April 20, 2000