Twenty-Six Year-Old Male Shot While Seated In Parked Vehicle

"Twenty-Six Year-Old Male Shot While Seated In Parked Vehicle"
 

Los Angeles: On Saturday, November 9, 2002 at approximately 2:39 a.m., two Los Angeles Police Officers were flagged down by a male motorist at Crenshaw Boulevard and Exposition Boulevard. The male reported that a passenger in his vehicle had been shot. The officers observed a male seated in the passenger seat apparently suffering from a gunshot wound. Los Angeles Paramedics were summoned and determined that the victim had died from his injuries.
The subsequent investigation revealed the vehicle driver and the victim were seated in a vehicle in the 3800 block of Victoria Avenue when the victim was shot by unknown suspect(s). The driver then drove to Crenshaw Boulevard and Exposition Boulevard where he summoned assistance. The motive for this incident has not been determined and no suspects are in custody.
The victim has been identified as Merlin Santana, a 26-year old resident of North Hollywood. The driver of the vehicle was not injured.
Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section I, personnel are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call them at 213-485-2129 during business hours or after-hours, a 24 hour toll free number, 1-877-529-3855 can be used.
This press release was prepared by Lieutenant Clay Farrell, Robbery Homicide Division.