Pregnant Woman Killed by Gunfire

 
Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s Southeast Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the shooting death of a 21 year-old female who was seven months pregnant.

On Wednesday, January 1, 2003, at approximately 9:30 p.m., 21 year-old Pearline Laporte was standing next to her vehicle with a 27 year-old male who was attempting to fix the back window of Laporte’s car. A small car, described as a grey or blue Nissan Altima or Chevrolet Corsica, drove up and the driver asked, "where’s the weed?"
The suspect then fired several shots at Laporte and her companion, striking both of them, and fleeing in an unknown direction. Both victims were transported to a local hospital where the 27 year-old male companion was listed in stable condition. Laporte died from her wounds and at the time of her death, was seven months pregnant. The unborn baby also died as a result of Laporte’s murder.
The murder suspect is described as a male Black, approximately 20 years old, with a "pug nose."
Anyone with information should contact the Southeast Area Homicide Detectives at 213-485-6902, or 323-789-1496. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-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.