Gang Related Shooting Claims 21 Year Old Victim

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, August 25, 2000

"Gang Related Shooting Claims 21 Year Old Victim"

West Lake – Rampart Homicide Detectives are investigating the shooting death of Jorge Pioquinto, a 21 year-old male Hispanic.

On Thursday evening, August 24, 2000, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the victim was standing on the sidewalk in the 800 block of South Beacon Street. Witnesses observed the suspects, two 19/20-year-old male Hispanics, drive up in a vehicle. Both suspects exited the vehicle and approached the victim. The shooter pointed a handgun at the victim. The victim pleaded with the suspect not to shoot him. The shooter disregarded the victim’s plea and fired multiple times at the victim wounding him. The suspects returned to their vehicle and fled.

Police and paramedics responded to the scene. Rescue ambulance transported the victim to the U.S.C. Medical Center. The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 10:40 p.m.

The motive for this shooting is believed to be gang related, due to the victim’s affiliation with a local street gang. The suspects and weapon are outstanding.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the Rampart Homicide Unit at 213-207-2051.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

For Release 1:00 pm PDT
August 25, 2000