Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Murder Suspect

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, October 10, 2000

"Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Murder Suspect"

Los Angeles – On Tuesday, October 10, 2000, at 2:00 p.m., Northeast Area Homicide Detectives will conduct a press conference at Northeast Area Community Police Station, located at 3353 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles. Detectives will provide further details regarding a "road rage" murder that occurred last week in the Los Feliz Area. In particular, Detectives will provide a composite sketch of the prime suspect and a photo of a vehicle similar to the one driven by the suspects.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 3, 2000, at approximately 7:40 p.m., when 48 year-old Walter Vera and his 23 year-old son were driving eastbound on Vermont Avenue from Hollywood Boulevard in the Los Feliz area. A white 1985 Jeep Cherokee being driven by a female Hispanic made an abrupt lane change in front of Mr. Vera’s car, which led to an argument between Mr. Vera’s son and the passenger in the Jeep. During the exchange of words, the passenger of the Jeep, described only as a male Hispanic, 24-28 years old, with a shaved head, leaned over the driver’s side of the vehicle and fired an unknown caliber firearm into Mr. Vera’s car. Mr. Vera was struck by the gunfire.

A Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance responded and transported Mr. Vera to the Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center. Mr. Vera was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The vehicle, weapon and suspects remain outstanding.

Northeast Area Homicide Detectives Torres and Teague are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Northeast Homicide Unit, at 213-847-4261.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213- 485-3586.

For Release 2:00 pm PDT
October , 2000