Shooting Death at High School

Los Angeles: Pacific Area Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating any witnesses to a shooting in which a young man lost his life Monday afternoon.

On June 5, 2006, at approximately 3:10 p.m., 17-year-old Augustine Contreras was on campus at Venice High School, in the 13000 block of Venice Boulevard, in western Los Angeles. His two brothers became involved in a fight with at least five male black suspects. Contreras entered the struggle to help his brothers.

One of the suspects pulled a handgun and shot Contreras once in the chest. The suspects then ran from the campus. The shooter does not appear to have been a student at the school.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries at 3:40 p.m.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pacific Area Homicide Detectives at 310-482-6313, during normal business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855). Persons with information may remain anonymous and are encouraged to call.