14-Year-Old Girl Left in Critical Condition after Being Shot in the Face NA12268rf

WHAT:
A news conference to seek out public help to assist detectives investigating the shooting of a 14-year-old girl

WHEN:
December 12, 2012
11 a.m.

WHERE:
LAPD Newton Community Police Station
3400 S. Central Avenue
Los Angeles 90011
WHO:
LAPD Newton Area Commanding Officer Captain Jorge Rodriguez
LAPD Newton Area Patrol Captain Edward Prokop
LAPD Investigating Detectives
Family Members of Victim

WHY:
To help locate and apprehend those responsible for the brutal, senseless shooting of 14-year-old Jessica Garcia who was attacked on Dec. 9 earlier this month about 1:20 a.m. as she walked on Vernon Avenue near Hooper Avenue with a group of friends.  Garcia remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

The 18- to 25-year-old suspect is described as a Hispanic male with black or dark-brown hair.  He stands 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds. At the time of the shooting, he was wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt with dark pants.

Witnesses or anyone with information regarding this incident are urged to contact Newton Division Homicide Detective Richard Arciniega at 323-846-6556 or Detective Eric Spear at 323-846-6579. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”

CONTACT:
For more information, please contact LAPD Media Relations at 213-486-5910.