Suspect Sought in Murder of South Los Angeles Resident

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department Southeast Squad, Criminal Gang/Homicide Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s) who participated in an early morning shooting in South Los Angeles.

Around 2:15 a.m., this morning LAPD Southeast Area officers responded to a radio call of shots fired at 93rd Street and Avalon Boulevard.  Officers discovered the victim, 34-year-old Johnny Thomas, deceased on the sidewalk.  

According to detectives, an argument immediately preceded the shooting.  The suspect(s) then left in an unknown direction and have not yet been identified.    

Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics.  There are no known witnesses to this shooting or any suspect descriptions.

Detectives are also investigating a hit-and-run traffic accident that occurred at 103rd Street and Broadway.  The accident apparently occurred shortly after the shooting incident, but is currently unknown whether the two incidents are related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detective Sal LaBarbera, at 213-485-4341.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call     Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.