Murder Investigation

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, October 18, 2000

"Murder Investigation"

Venice – On Wednesday, October 18, 2000, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Pacific Area uniformed officers responded to a radio call of shots fired, assault with a deadly weapon, at 500 block Vernon Avenue, Venice. Upon arrival, the officers discovered a male victim, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Los Angeles City paramedics arrived and provided medical treatment, but the victim failed to respond and was pronounced dead at the scene. No suspects have been identified at this time. The motive for this crime has not been established.

The victim was subsequently identified as James Richards, 55 years of age. Mr. Richards had been a resident of the Oakwood area of Venice for approximately 20 years. He was a local community activist. He published a newsletter regarding crime problems and quality of life issues in Oakwood. Additionally, he was involved in neighborhood clean ups, the Model Neighborhood Program and was a Block Captain. He had been a member of the Community Impact Team for approximately 18 months.

Pacific Operations Support Detectives are seeking the assistance of the community regarding this homicide. If you have any information, please call Pacific Homicide Detectives at 310-202-4506.

This Press Release was prepared by Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

For Release 2:30 pm PDT
October 18, 2000