Man Killed Standing near Pay Phone NR10348ah

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police are searching for a gunman who shot and killed a man standing near a telephone booth in South Los Angeles early this morning.

At around 1:20 a.m., 28-year-old Samuel Edward James III was standing near a payphone in the 4600 block of South Vermont Avenue when a suspect approached him on foot, shot him and fled, detectives said.

Paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced James dead.

There is no suspect description and detectives are still investigating to determine what prompted the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Group detectives at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877 LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.