Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Criminal Gang Homicide Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for the killing of 17-year-old Patricia Alfaro.
On Wednesday, September 3, 2014, around 4:50 p.m., Alfaro and her friends were driving southbound on Vermont Avenue near Manchester Boulevard when they became involved in a verbal dispute with a motorist driving a dark colored 4-door sedan. As both vehicles continued southbound on Vermont Avenue from Manchester Boulevard, they were joined by a third motorist driving a light colored SUV. According to witnesses, the rear passenger from the light color SUV fired multiple rounds into the victim’s car as it sped away from the scene. Both Alfaro and her friend were struck by the gunfire. In an effort to get away from their assailant the victims drove to the 700 block of 77th Street and called 911 for help.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and transported Alfaro and a 24-year-old male victim to a local hospital. The male victim was treated and released.
Alfaro remained in the hospital in critical condition, however on September 9, 2014, she died as a result of her injuries.
The motive appears to be gang related. There is no evidence of road rage.
The suspects are described as male Blacks in their late teens to early twenties. There is no further information at this time.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Division Detectives Dominick Iasparro or Refugio Garza at 213-485-1383. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should 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 keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”