Man Killed by Carjackers

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for the shooting death of a young man who was trying to prevent a crime.

On Jan. 11, 2009, at around 1:05 a.m., Foothill Division patrol officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon broadcast in the 11000 block of El Dorado Avenue in Pacoima. Responding officers arrived and found 18-year-old Javier Villareal suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Villareal had observed a carjacking in progress and had tried to intervene by confronting the three carjack suspects with a gun. One of the suspects fired at him multiple times, causing him to die at the scene. Villareal is not a known gang member. The motive for the incident is believed to be gang related.

The victim of the carjacking was not hurt.

The suspects are described as three male Hispanics in their early twenties. There is no description on the suspects’ vehicle at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Foothill Homicide Detectives J. Martinez or H. Gahry at 818-834-3115. After-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” All calls and contacts are anonymous.