18-Year-Old Girl Shot to Death NR12269rf

Los Angeles:   LAPD Northeast Area homicide detectives are hoping for public assistance concerning their investigation of the fatal shooting death of 18-year-old Los Angeles resident Nichole Zuniga.

On June 11, 2012, just before 9 p.m., LAPD officers investigating a possible shooting discovered two gunshot victims on the sidewalk in the 3200 block of Verdugo Road.  Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics were summoned and attempted to treat one of the victims, Zuniga, but were unsuccessful.  Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead from her injuries at the scene.

Paramedics transported the second victim, 21-year-old Los Angeles resident Michael Cortes, to a nearby hospital where he has remained in critical condition.

Detectives believe the victims were friends but have no information about the motive for the shooting.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Northeast Area Homicide Detectives Martin or Carrillo at 323-344-5744 or the Northeast Area Watch Commander at 323-344-5701.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (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 LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.