LAPD Officer Witnesses Murder

 
Los Angeles: Newton Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the shooting death of a 27-year-old Los Angeles resident, Belen Dercio.
On Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at approximately 11:15 p.m., victim Dercio and several companions were standing outside a bar that is located at 42nd Place and Main Street in Los Angeles.
As the Los Angeles Police officer was passing the location on his assigned patrol, a dispute erupted between Dercio and other bar patrons as several shots were fired.
The LAPD officer witnessed the men being suddenly struck by the hail of gunfire, and saw Dercio and the two other males fall to the sidewalk. Stopping and requesting assistance, the officer then directed a police perimeter to be set up and to contain the fleeing suspects. Shot directly in the head, Dercio died at the scene. Two unidentified males were transported to a local hospital, one was listed in grave condition and the other was in stable condition.
The locked down area perimeter was searched by LAPD officers and specially trained canine units that captured four suspects, and recovered two weapons. Newton Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the shooting.
Anyone with information regarding this case is requested to contact the Newton Area Homicide Unit, and direct their information to Detective J. Linn or E. Rico at 323-846-6556. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.