Victim is Killed Near 77th Area Police Station

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, December 31, 1998

On Wednesday, December 30, 1998 at approximately 9:38 p.m., the victim, Aaron Ruben Smith, a male Black, 26 years old, was standing in front of Ken’s Jr. Mart located on the 7500 block of South Broadway. The suspect approached the victim and unknown words were exchanged. The suspect pulled out a handgun and shot the victim in the torso area. The victim, who was also armed, fired one or two shots as the suspect fled the location. It is unknown if the suspect was wounded.

The incident occurred near the 77th Street Area Station. Officers inside the station heard the gun shots and responded immediately to the crime scene. The Los Angeles Fire Department transported the victim to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.

The motive has not been established, but it appears to be a dispute between the suspect and victim. The suspect and weapon are outstanding at this time.

South Bureau Homicide Detectives are handling the investigation. Anyone with information about this crime should contact Detectives Myers and Burciaga at (213) 237-1310.

For Release 9:25 am PST
December 31, 1998