Full Notification

North Hollywood Homicide Detectives want to remind the public there is 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.
On October 17, 2010, at about 12:40 a.m., 18-year-old Vartan Avatyan and several of his friends were 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 compact car.

Detectives have very few leads in this case and are asking for anyone with information to contact LAPD North Hollywood homicide detectives Royce or Townsend 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.