Argument Turns into Shooting

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, October 30, 2000

"Argument Turns into Shooting"

North Hollywood: On October 29, 2000, at approximately 11:35 p.m., North Hollywood patrol officers responded to an "ambulance shots fired" call at 11118 Victory Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers discovered three persons wounded from the gunfire. Victim #1, 34-year-old Juan Guerra, was pronounced dead from a single gunshot wound to his upper torso. Victim #2, 18-year-old Mario Perez, was treated for a single gunshot wound to his stomach and is expected to recover at a local hospital. Victim #3, 39-year-old Gerrardo Aguilar, sustained a single gunshot wound to his left hand. A fourth individual was also at the scene, 34-year-old Enrique Zamora. He was not injured.

Initially, the individuals involved in this incident told detectives that while the four of them were watching TV in decedent’s apartment, a male Hispanic gang member had entered the location through the front door, produced a handgun and demanded their money. The gang member then shot all three victims during the alleged robbery attempt. There were several discrepancies in the description of the suspect and how the crime transpired. Through additional interviews, it was learned the robbery in fact had not occurred. The four individuals had been watching TV when Guerra and Aguilar became involved in an argument over money owed. A handgun was produced and the shooting occurred as everyone struggled over the gun.

Suspect Gerrardo Aguilar has been booked for murder. 34-year-old Enrique Zamora has been booked for accessory to murder. Detectives recovered a .357 caliber revolver from the trash dumpster of the apartment complex.

The Los Angeles Police Department North Hollywood Operation Support Division is handling this incident.

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

For Release 5:00 pm PST
October 30, 2000