Gang Shooting Claims One Life in Canoga Park

Los Angeles: One person died and several were injured during a gang related shooting in the San Fernando Valley early Saturday morning.

On July 29, 2006, around 12:40 a.m., West Valley patrol officers responded to a shooting call in a residential alley behind Valerio Street, west of Canoga Avenue, in Canoga Park. When police arrived they found four male victims had just been shot. Three of the victims sustained single gunshot wounds in the leg and were rushed by friends to local hospitals. The fourth victim, a 20-year-old man from Reseda, was critically injured by multiple gunshot wounds to his head and chest. Los Angeles City Fire Paramedics transported him to Northridge Hospital, where he died at 1:12 a.m.

The surviving victims received medical treatment for their injuries and did not require hospitalization.

Officers determined that a large party had been taking place in a single family home next to the shooting scene. According to witnesses, a dark sedan with four occupants drove up to a group of partygoers. The vehicle’s male driver asked who the party was for. He got out of the car, yelled the name of a street gang and fired indiscriminately into the crowd. He got back into the car and sped off.

The identity of the fatally wounded victim is being withheld pending notification of family.

West Valley Homicide Detectives are handling the investigation. No suspects have been identified or arrested. Police are seeking the public’s help in solving this murder and ask that anyone with information call the West Valley Homicide Unit at 818-374-7721, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Hotline at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).

The identities of callers wishing to remain anonymous will be protected.