Two Homicides in Southeast Area NR11346rh

Los Angeles: LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect (s) who shot and killed two young men.

On July 25, 2011, at around 11:50 p.m., 20-year- old Gary Sanders was found on the sidewalk on the west side of a residence in the 200 block of 87th Place.  Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel responded and found Sanders suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  He was then transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.  

Detectives believe the victim was with a group of people prior to the shooting.  This incident is considered gang related, but there is no suspect description.

On July 27, 2011, minutes past midnight, 18-year-old Juan Cruz Lopez was in the 200 block of East 107th Street with a group of people.  Unknown suspect(s) fired several gunshots toward the group of people who were drinking and being boisterous.  The majority of the group immediately ran from the scene, however, Lopez was found lying in a driveway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  

Los Angeles City Fire Department Personnel responded and transported Lopez to a local hospital where he failed to respond to emergency medical treatment and was pronounced dead from his injuries.   

At this time, there is no suspect description, and it’s unknown if the shooting is gang related.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes 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 Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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.