Newton Detectives Conduct Homicide Investigation

Newton Area: On Friday, August 24, 2001, at 12:30 P.M., Alvin Jerome Merritt, age 29, was walking eastbound on 23rd St. at Naomi Avenue with a friend. A white vehicle pulled next to Mr. Merritt and two or three unknown suspects got out of the car and fired several rounds at the victim, who sustained multiple hits to the upper and lower torso. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced Mr. Merrit dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The friend walking with the victim fled prior to the arrival of police and has not been identified or located.

Evidence at the scene indicates that two semi-automatic handguns were used.

The suspects were described only as 3 or 4 male Blacks 16 to 19 years, travelling in a white 4 door vehicle. The suspects were last seen northbound on Naomi from 23rd Street. No suspects have been identified. The motive appears to be gang related.

Newton Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to contact detectives at 323-846-6556 or Newton Watch Commander at 323-846-6547. This information was provided by Detective J. D. Furr.

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