Robbery in South Los Angeles Leaving One Dead NR13466gb

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Criminal Gang and Homicide Division Detectives are seeking the public’s help in searching for murder suspects in South Los Angeles.

On Saturday, October 19, 2013, around 7:40 p.m., Rene Balbuena, a male Hispanic, 41 years of age, and his son, a male Hispanic, 15 years of age, responded to a "Craig’s List" advertisement for a cellular phone.

The victims drove to the area of 92nd Street and Gramercy Place.  The two male suspects approached the victim’s vehicle on foot from the rear.  The suspects began demanding that the victims hand over their money.  Balbuena exited the vehicle and one of the suspects began shooting.  After the shooting, the suspects ran southbound Gramercy Place and then westbound 92nd Street.

The suspects were described only as two male Blacks in their 20’s. Both suspects were wearing dark clothing.

Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the victims to a local hospital for their injuries.  Balbuena was shot multiple times in the torso and pronounced dead a short time later at the hospital.  His son sustained a non- life threatening gunshot wound and was treated and released.

The motive is robbery.  The suspects and weapon are outstanding.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detective Dean Vinluan or Lolita Deavila at (213) 485-1383.  Anonymous tips can be directed to "Crime Stoppers" at 800-222-TIPS (8477).During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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 "web tips" and follow the prompts.