Public’s Help Needed to Identify Suspect(s) Wanted for Injuring Three People and Killing Young Woman

Los Angeles:  On March 23, 2010, at around 10:00 p.m., officers working Foothill Patrol and the Gang Enforcement Detail responded to a radio call of an “ADW shooting in progress”  in the area of Pala Avenue and Pinney Street  in Pacoima.

When the officers and Paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire Department arrived, they met four victims suffering gunshot wounds.  The paramedics transported the victims to local hospitals where they were treated for their injuries.   On the night of the shooting, one victim was listed in stable condition, two were listed in critical condition and on Wednesday, March 24, at around 3:55p.m., Vanessa Rankins, a 21year-old female who lived in Pacoima, died as a result of her injuries.

To date, the investigating detectives have determined that an unknown number of male Hispanic suspects approached a group of people in the 13000 block of Pinney Ave.  The unknown suspect(s) shot multiple rounds in the direction of the victims, striking them.  The motive for the shooting is unknown and the weapon is still outstanding.  It is also unknown if the shooting is gang related.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Foothill Area Detectives Jones and Farell at 818-834-3115.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers 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.