24-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed in South Los Angeles NR11388gb

Los Angeles:  LAPD Criminal Gang and Homicide Group detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who shot and killed a man and other suspects who also assaulted the victim in South L.A.

On Sunday, August 21, 2011, at about 9:34 p.m., 24-year-old Miguel Casteneda was walking on Southwest Drive and 5th Avenue, when a Hispanic man, in his mid 20’s called Casteneda a “Snitch”.  Casteneda denied being a “Snitch” and the man went into a nearby residence.  Within moments, the suspect and approximately nine additional Hispanic men ranging from 18 to 30 years old exited the same residence.  The suspects then began to chase after Casteneda.  The victim ran north from the suspects on 5th Avenue and across 64th Street.  The suspects caught up to Casteneda in front of a house in the 6320 block of South 5th Avenue.  The group began to hit and kick Casteneda.  During the confrontation, one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds striking Casteneda in the torso.

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel responded to the scene and rushed the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
 
There is no additional information about the suspects at this time. The weapon has not yet been recovered, and detectives believe that the motive is possibly gang related.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Group Detective B. Durazo or Detective D. Ross at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   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 LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.