UPDATE
Dec. 2, 2010
This afternoon, LAPD command staff and detectives held a news conference at the North Hollywood police station to announce a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for the Oct. 17 murder of Vartan Avatyan. Detectives still have few leads on the case and strongly urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. A sketch of the suspect is on the second page of this release.
Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect wanted for the shooting death of a North Hollywood man.
On October 17, 2010, at about 12:40 a.m., 18-year-old Vartan Avatyan and several of his friends where at a popular taco stand in the 7200 block of Lankershim Boulevard. As they stood in the parking lot, a male Hispanic walked up to the small gathering of friends and began shooting at Avatyan, striking him several times.
Avatyan was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, but died from his injuries a short time later.
The suspect is believed to have left the location in a blue compact car.
Detectives have very few leads in this case and are asking for anyone with information to contact LAPD North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 818-623-4075. During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.