Unprovoked Shooting Results in Two Deaths

What: News Conference

Where: LAPD’s 77th Street Police Station, 7600 South Broadway, Los Angeles

When: Monday, January 3, 2005, at 4:30 p.m.

Los Angeles: 77th Street Homicide detectives are investigating the shooting incident that led to the death of 24 year-old Leonardo Charott Valdivia and 25 year-old Marcos Antonio Miranda that occurred on Sunday morning, January 2, 2005, at approximately 1:45 a.m.

Both victims were in a black 2004 BMW stopped at a tri-light signal at Florence Avenue and Central Avenue along with two 18 year-old female companions who were seated in the back seat. Unknown suspects drove up alongside of them and were staring in their direction, then without warning the right rear passenger of suspects’ vehicle fired numerous rounds at the victims’ car. Valdivia received a gunshot wound to the back, got out of the car, and fell to the ground. Miranda, the driver, received a gunshot wound to the head and continued driving and collided with an overhanging light post, which was in front of the Wells Fargo Bank located at 1141 East Florence Avenue .

Valdivia was pronounced dead at the scene. Miranda and the two females were transported to Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition and placed on life support. On Monday morning, January 3, 2005, at 4:05 a.m., Miranda died from his injuries. Both females were treated for their injuries and released.

Anyone with information regarding is requested to contact 77th Street Homicide Unit, at 213-485-1383. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news advisory was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.