Shooting Occurs at Smart and Final Grocery Store

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, October 4, 1999
On Sunday, October 3, 1999, at approximately 6:50 P.M., Deloris Wallace, 43 years of age, and her companion Ella Mae Brown, 35 years of age, were standing in the check-out counter of the "Smart & Final" grocery store located at 8100 block of South Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles. Pamela Renee Erwin, 47 years of age, employed as a clerk at Smart & Final engaged in an argument with Wallace and Brown. Erwin then pulled a handgun and fired several shots in the direction of Wallace and Brown. Wallace sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her head and upper torso. Brown was not shot but was physically assaulted by Erwin who struck Brown several times in the head with the handgun. Wallace and Brown were transported to a local hospital. Wallace failed to respond to medical treatment and died at the hospital as a result of her injuries. Brown was treated for multiple lacerations to her head and released.

Victims Wallace and Brown were acquaintances of the suspect, Erwin. All three individuals were involved in an on-going dispute over the custody of Wallace’s minor child.

Erwin was arrested and booked for 187 P.C., Murder, at the 77th Street Division jail. Seventy-seventh Street Homicide Detectives Jim Vena and Janell Kessner are handling the investigation. Anyone with information should call 213-485-1383.

For Release 10:30 am PST
October 4, 1999