$50,000 Reward Offered NA13196ne

What: News Conference

When: Thursday, November 7, 2013 3 p.m.

Where: 77th Community Police Station 7600 South Broadway Los Angeles, California

Who: Los Angeles Police Department Command Staff Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives (LAPD) Family members of 17 year-old Bijan Shoushtari, including family friend and former City Council person, Rita Waters

Why: The City of Los Angeles is offering a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Bijan Shoushtari.

On Saturday, August 3, 2013 around 12:00 a.m., Bijan was the front driving with two other friends in the area of Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue. Suspects driving in a grey or silver vehicle drove alongside, and a suspect from the vehicle began shooting at the Bijan and his passengers. Bijan was struck by the gunfire and mortally wounded. Detectives have exhausted all known leads in the case and are currently seeking the public’s help.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Detective Paul Funicello at (213) 485-4341. During weekends and off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAPD24-7 (1-877-527-3247). 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 “webtips” and follow the prompts.