19-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed in Valley NR11374gb

26-Year-Old Woman is in critical condition

Los Angeles:  LAPD West Valley Area Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) who shot and killed a man and critically injured a woman in Northridge.

On Thursday, August 11, 2011, at about 7:23 p.m., police officers responded to an assault call in the 7900 block of White Oak Avenue.  Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of 19-year-old Hector Elio Espinoza of Northridge.  Espinoza was suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.  Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel responded to the scene and pronounced him dead.
 
Officers also located a 26-year-old female victim seated in a parked car at White Oak Avenue north of Stagg Street who had a gunshot wound to the upper torso.  LAFD paramedics transported her to a local hospital where she is listed in critical condition.  Her identity is being withheld at this time.

There is no information about the suspect(s). The weapon has not yet been recovered, and detectives have not determined what prompted the shooting.  

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call West Valley Area homicide detectives at 818-374-7720.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   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.