Two Victims Shot and Killed After Leaving Nightclub

May 25, 2004

"Two Victims Shot and Killed After Leaving Nightclub"
 
Los Angeles: On May 24, 2004, at about 11:55 p.m., 77th Division patrol officers responded to a "shots fired" call in the 7200 block of 9th Avenue. When officers arrived, they discovered two males suffering from gunshot wounds to their bodies. Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics also responded and pronounced both victims dead at the scene.
The initial investigation revealed that the victims were leaving a nightclub in the area and were walking to their car. Two suspects fired unknown type weapons striking both victims. The suspects left the scene in an unknown type car.
The victims were identified as 25 year-old Brian Keith Butler Jr. and 25 year-old Melvin Deonte Knowles. Mr. Butler was on leave from the Navy and recently returned from serving a tour in Iraq.
The motive for the shooting is unknown. The suspects have not been identified and remain at large.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call 77th Homicide Detectives, at 213-485-1383. During off-hours and on weekends, please call the toll free 24-hour number of the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).
This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Rudy Villarreal, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.