Child Killed by Gunfire in South L.A. NR12252bb

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Command Staff, along with the Criminal Gang Homicide Division Detectives, held a news conference today to ask for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of a suspect who shot and killed 1-year-old Angel Cortez.

On June 4, 2012, around 7:50 p.m., Southeast Area officers responded to a multi-victim shooting call near the intersection of 105th Street and Hickory Street in South Los Angeles.  When the officers arrived, they discovered that 1-year-old Angel Cortez and his 24-year-old father had been shot. Angel was in the arms of his father who was standing on the sidewalk in the 10500 block of Hickory Street when the suspect approached them on a bicycle.  The suspect suddenly fired several rounds at Angel and his father, and immediately fled the scene on his bicycle.

Both Angel and his father were struck by gunfire.  Angel sustained a gunshot wound to his torso; his father was shot in the shoulder.  Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported both victims to a local hospital where Angel died a short time later as a result of his injuries; his father was listed in stable condition.

The suspect is described as a male Black, about 15-18 years old, last seen wearing a black hoodie jacket.  The motive for this shooting is unknown at this time.

“This terrible crime is a shock to the Los Angeles community,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villariagosa, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cortez family for the tragic loss of their son.”

“Our investigators will work tirelessly to bring this criminal to justice,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck.  “This senseless violence in our community will not be tolerated.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Detectives at 213-485-4175.  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.”