Gang Shooting Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Hospitalized in Panorama City

Los Angeles: An apparent gang shooting that happened in broad daylight, left a 16-year-old boy dead and two others wounded yesterday afternoon in Panorama City.

At around 12:40 p.m., police were called out to investigate a shooting in the 8900 block of Colbath Avenue.  When police arrived at the scene, three male victims were found in the driveway of a residence suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced the teen dead at the scene.  The other two victims were hit in the upper torso and were taken to a local hospital where they are listed in stable condition.

Initial reports indicated that the victims were walking on the sidewalk when two Latino men confronted them.  One of the men pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots at the three victims.   As the group tried to get away from the gunfire, the gunman continued firing at them, detectives said.  A fourth victim escaped unharmed.  The suspects fled the scene.

The name of the teenager is being withheld until a family member has been notified.

Detectives have few leads and only described the suspects as “Latino.”  While there is no clear motive known at this time, investigators believe that the shooting is gang related.

Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to contact Mission Area homicide detectives at 818-838-9810.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website www.lapdonline.org.  Tipsters may remain anonymous.