Victim Killed By Friend Over a Dispute

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, March 13, 2000

"Victim Killed by Friend Over a Dispute"

North Hollywood – On Monday, March 13, 2000 at 3:20 a.m., North Hollywood patrol officers responded to an "ADW – Shots Fired" call in the 11400 block of Emelita Street. Upon arrival officers discovered the victim, a 38 year old, male by the name of Craig Evan Shemwell. The victim was found lying on the bathroom floor of his residence. He had been shot in the upper torso and was transported by ambulance to The Holy Cross Hospital where he was pronounced dead on March 13, 2000 at 4:00 a.m.

Subsequent investigation revealed that a dispute had erupted over the weekend between the decedent and his life long friend, suspect Johnny Whitfield. For unknown reasons suspect Whitfield came to victim Shemwell’s apartment to further the confrontation. Suspect Whitfield produced a handgun, then fired several shots killing the victim. Suspect Whitfield fled the scene in a late model, 4 door, white vehicle, suspect Whitefield’s whereabouts were unknown at the time of the investigation. Suspect Whitfield is described as a male, Black, 36 years old with a slim build.

If there are any questions or if anyone has any information regarding this case please call North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 818-623-4075 or 818-623-4016.

For Release 7:00 am PST
March 14, 2000