Gang-Related Homicide and Shooting on Budlong Avenue

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Saturday, April 1, 2000

Los Angeles – On Friday night, March 31, 2000, at approximately 11:35 p.m., Warner Tobias Finley (male black, 40 years old), and a friend (a female black 23 years old) were standing on the southeast corner of Budlong Avenue and 67th Street. An unknown suspect or suspects walked up to Finley and confronted him and an argument ensued. One of the suspects armed himself with a handgun and shot both Finley and the 23 year old woman as she attempted to flee. Both Finley and the wounded woman were transported to a local hospital. Finley succumbed to his injuries; however, the 23 year old woman was treated for a gunshot wound to the back and is listed in stable condition.

The motive for the shootings have not yet been established, however, based upon a preliminary investigation, the shootings appear to be gang-related.

77th Street Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information concerning this incident is requested to call 77th Street Homicide Detectives at 213-485-1383 or the 77th Street Watch Commander at
213-485-2389.

For Release 11:00 am PST
April 3, 2000