Woman Shot to Death in South Los Angeles NR11479gb

Los Angeles:  The LAPD Criminal Gang and Homicide Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information about the shooting and murder of a woman in South Los Angeles.

On October 12, 2011, around 10:05 p.m., 41-year-old, Mayela Valdes Garcia, exited the Coin Laundry Lavandezia in the 6000 block of South Vermont Avenue, to empty some trash.  Garcia walked to the rear of the location and an unknown suspect, described only as a male Hispanic, walked up to her and shot her once in the head for no apparent reason. The suspect was last seen running north in the alley towards 60th Street.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Rescue Ambulance responded to the scene and transported Garcia to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

There is no information about the suspect at this time. The weapon has not yet been recovered, and detectives have not determined what prompted the shooting.

Anyone with information is urged to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detectives Myra Kellum or John Ferreriaat 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 (1-800-222-8477).  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.