Pick-Up Basketball Game Turns Deadly

Los Angeles: On Sunday morning December 14, 2003 at approximately 11:20 a.m., a pick-up basketball game was being played inside the gym of the Van Ness Recreational Center at 5720 South Van Ness Avenue. A verbal dispute between two individuals escalated into a shoving match. One person was subsequently escorted off the court, and out of the gym, by workers in the Center.
This individual returned to the gym and was armed with an unknown type firearm. He fired numerous times at the person he was arguing with as he was playing basketball. The victim was struck numerous times in the upper and lower torso and died at the scene.
The suspect was last seen running out the front entrance of the gym. The motive for the shooting is unknown and the weapon is not in custody.
The victim has been identified as 22 year old Dwayne Trotter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Homicide Detectives at 213-485-1383. A 24 hour toll free number is available at 1-877-529-3855.
This news release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.