Innocent Bystander Killed While Caught Between Dispute

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, July 26, 1999
On Thursday, July 1, 1999, at approximately 4:00 p.m., victim Percy Branch, a male, Black, 55 years of age, was an innocent bystander to a verbal dispute that took place near where he was standing at the 4000 block of Buckingham Rd.. The dispute was between victim #2, Annette Lewis and two male, Black suspects. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun which he drew and began shooting at victim Lewis. Victim Branch was wounded during the shooting incident. Victims Lewis and Branch were transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment. Lewis succumbed to her wounds on July 1, 1999.

On July 23, 1999, at 11:48 am, victim Branch succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the hospital.

The weapon used was a large caliber handgun, no further description.

The investigation is being conducted by Southwest Homicide Detectives Ray Morales and B. Hosea. Anyone with information regarding this incident may contact Detectives Morales and Hosea at 213-847-1310.

For Release 9:50 am PDT
July 26, 1999