Two Men Shot, One Fatally, in Boyle Heights

Los Angeles:  Two men were shot yesterday in Boyle Heights, leaving one dead and one in critical condition.
On Sunday, October 23, 2005, at about 6:15 p.m., Albert Valadez, 25 years of age, was driving his white 1985 Chevrolet S10 Blazer eastbound in the #2 lane of 4th Street.  Valadez was accompanied by 19-year-old Raymond Ochoa.  While Valadez’s truck was stopped for a red light at the intersection of 4th and Mott Streets, an SUV, possibly beige, pulled alongside in the #1 lane.  The right front passenger of the SUV pointed a semi-automatic handgun into Valadez’s truck and fired several rounds, striking both Valdez and Ochoa in the upper torso.  The suspects, male Hispanics, fled eastbound on 4th Street.  Valadez then lost control of his vehicle and collided with a parked vehicle on the south curb of 4th Street.
The victims were taken by paramedics to a local hospital.  Mr. Valadez later died from his injuries.  Mr. Ochoa remains in critical condition.  The shooting is believed to be gang related.
Police are asking the public’s assistance in solving this crime.  Anyone with information is asked to call Hollenbeck Homicide Detective Ricard or Preciado at 323-526-3680, during normal business hours.  After hours and on weekends, please call 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).