Verbal Dispute Resulted in Deadly Shooting NR09373gb

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s help in searching for a suspect who shot and killed 19-year-old, Juan Espinoza, a resident of Van Nuys.

On July 31, 2009, at around 10:30 p.m., a patrol unit was dispatched to a call in the parking lot at the intersection of Friar Street and Vesper Avenue, and found Espinoza suffering from a gunshot wound.  Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to detectives, the victim became involved in a verbal dispute with the suspect, who is described as a male Hispanic with black hair, in his late 20’s to early 30’s. The suspect drove away in a late 1980’s four door small car (possibly Honda Civic).

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Van Nuys Homicide Detectives at 818-374-0040.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.