Two Teens Killed in Highland Park

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police said two teenagers have died after being gunned down by suspected gang members Friday afternoon in Highland Park.

The incident began shortly before 3:30 p.m. when a patrol unit was dispatched to investigate a shooting call in the 1600 block of North Figueroa Street.  When the officers got to the scene, they discovered Alejandro Garcia, 16, and Carlos Hernandez, 15, lying on the sidewalk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  

Both of the victims were taken to an area hospital where they died as a result of their injuries.

According to detectives, a group of men believed to be gang members confronted the teens while they were on a sidewalk.  An argument broke out and one of the gunmen pulled out a handgun and fatally shot them.  The suspects then ran from the scene.

The melee and the shooting appeared to be gang motivated.  

The suspects are still at large and it is unclear how many of them were involved in the incident.  

Investigators have few leads and described the suspects only as male Hispanics with short hair.

Anyone with information about this double murder is asked to call Northeast Homicide Detectives at 213-847-4261.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247) or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website:  www.lapdonline.org.  All tipsters may remain anonymous.