Business Dispute Ends in Fatal Shooting

 
Los Angeles: On Saturday, November 1, 2003, at about 10:00 p.m., West Valley officers responded to a shooting call in the 6100 block of Coral Pink Circle in Woodland Hills. When the officers arrived, they were met at the location by 27-year-old David Matthew Leif, a resident of the complex who told the officers that he shot his business partner. The officers detained Leif and observed the body of a 39-year-old male White lying on the stairs in front of Leif’s apartment. The victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to the location and pronounced the victim dead as a result of his wounds.
The investigation revealed that Leif and the victim have known each other for several years and were partners in an Agoura based business dealing with the sales of environmental products. They had argued earlier in the day and at about 10:00 p.m., the victim came over to Leif’s residence and forced his way in and continued to argue. Leif, fearing for his safety, shot at the victim 3 times with a 12-gauge shotgun. Leif then notified the police.
Leif was booked for 187 P.C.(Murder) at the Van Nuys Police Station. He is being held on $1,000,000.00 bail. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office next week.
The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification to his family.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact West Valley Area Detective Section, Homicide Unit at 818-756-8546. On weekends and during off-hours, contact the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.