Reward For Information On Murder Suspects

 
What:
Press Conference To Announce Reward For Information On Murder Suspects
Where:
Rampart Community Police Station, 2710 West Temple Street, Los Angeles
When:
November 12, 2002, 10:00 a.m.

Los Angeles: On October 15, 2001, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Rampart Area patrol officers responded to an ambulance shooting in the 2700 block of Hyans Street. Upon arrival, the officers observed a pregnant female, Wendy Cortez, lying on the ground and a male in a wheel chair both suffering from gunshot wounds.
Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported both victims to a local hospital. Wendy Cortez was admitted into surgery where she went into labor and gave birth to a son, Nicholas Cortez. Wendy Cortez subsequently died during surgery and Nicholas Cortez died nine days later on October 24, 2001. The male victim was treated and released from the hospital.
The investigation revealed that a male Hispanic suspect walked up to the victims, who were standing in front of an apartment building. The suspect and male victim exchanged words. The suspect shot then the victims. Witnesses observed the suspect enter the passenger seat of a nearby gray vehicle, driven by another male Hispanic, and flee the scene.
The City Council has approved a $25,000.00 reward, sponsored by Councilman Eric Garcietti, for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Wendy Cortez and Nicholas Cortez.
Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to contact the Rampart Area Homicide Unit at 213-207-2051. On weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).
This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.