Suspect(s) Sought In Murder of 23-Year-Old Man

March 31, 2010

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department Rampart Homicide Unit detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) who were involved yesterday evening in a shooting in the City of Los Angeles.

At 8 a.m., 23-year-old Jose Saul Hernandez was standing on the sidewalk in front of the 200 block of South Rampart Boulevard drinking with friends.  An hour later his friends went home leaving Hernandez alone.  Shortly after that, an unknown suspect(s) walked up to Hernandez, pulled out a handgun and shot him.

The victim immediately ran to his apartment and collapsed in front of relatives.  Paramedics responded and transported him to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead during surgery.

Witnesses who heard the gunshot(s) told detectives they saw two suspects running southbound from the scene of the crime.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Rampart Homicide Unit Detectives Michael Arteaga or Julian Pere at 213-484-3650.  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.