Possible Robbery Motive Sparks Shooting Death

"Possible Robbery Motive Sparks Shooting Death"
 
North Hills – On Sunday, March 25, 2001, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Devonshire Area Patrol officers responded to a radio call regarding an assault that occurred at 9111 Burnet Avenue. Upon their arrival, the officers located a male victim who appeared to have sustained a gunshot wound to the lower torso. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and the victim was transported to Henry Mayo Hospital in critical condition. The victim was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Devonshire Area Homicide personnel assumed responsibility for the investigation. Preliminary evidence and witness information indicated the victim was gathered with several other males in front of the Burnet Avenue address. An unknown male approached the victim and brandished a firearm at the victim. A brief struggle ensued between the victim and the suspect. During the altercation the suspect fired a round which struck the victim. The suspect then fled the scene.
The motive for the shooting may have been robbery, however, that aspect of the case remains under investigation. The identity of the suspect remains unknown. He is described as male Hispanic, 5′ 7", 140 pounds, and between 22 and 25 years of age. The victim is in his late twenties and is believed to be a resident of North Hills. His identity is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Devonshire Area Detectives at 818-756-8291 or during off hours 818-756-8285. This press release was prepared by Detective III Michael Oppelt.