Man Shot, Killed on North Hills Street
North Hills. Los Angeles detectives are investigating the apparent shooting death of an unidentified man in his twenties, who was killed after he stepped out of a small SUV. Another occupant from the SUV shot the victim without any warning, then re-entered the SUV, which was driven by a woman.
Local residents called 9-1-1, around noon, October 12, 2014, as the daylight shooting occurred. “The only thing we know for sure is, the victim was dropped off by the same car that contained the shooter,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “From that, we would deduce the victim knew his assailants, but even that is supposition at this point.”
Based upon crime scene analysis and witnesses’ statements, the victim was shot at close range, multiple times, and died at the scene. The SUV was described as a tan or gold Chevy Blazer or Toyota Forerunner, driven by an Hispanic woman. The shooter was an Hispanic man in his twenties. He was medium build, with short hair or shaved head, wearing blue jeans and green shirt.
“It appears the victim climbed over a child’s car seat in the backseat, and got out of the SUV on the curb side,” Lt. Vernon added. “He turned away from the car when the shooter exited the front passenger door and shot him from behind. It seems the victim had no idea what was happening.”
The shooting occurred in the 14600 block of Novice Street, just off Van Nuys Boulevard. “This is a secluded street, with limited access,” Vernon added. “Perhaps that was by design on the part of the suspects. Other than that, we have no motive. Once we identify the victim, we’ll know more.”
Anyone with information is urged to call Det. Efren Gutierrez, Mission Homicide Unit, at
(818) 838-9948. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
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