Two Victims Shot While Stopped at Intersection

"Two Victims Shot While Stopped At Intersection"
 

Los Angeles: On Monday, June 17, 2002 at approximately 11:37 P.M. West Valley uniformed officers responded to an "ambulance shooting" radio call in the 20500 block of Hartland Street in Winnetka. Upon arrival to the location, the officers were directed to the alley at the rear of the apartment complex where they discovered the body of a male Hispanic in the front passenger seat of a 1987 Ford Mustang.
On Monday, June 17, 2002 at approximately 11:37 P.M. West Valley uniformed officers responded to an "ambulance shooting" radio call in the 20500 block of Hartland Street in Winnetka. Upon arrival to the location, the officers were directed to the alley at the rear of the apartment complex where they discovered the body of a male Hispanic in the front passenger seat of a 1987 Ford Mustang.
The victim, later identified as 31-year-old Epifanio Cancino, had been shot twice in the head. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. A second victim was located at the apartment complex that had also been shot. Jose Pena, 27- year-old, male Hispanic, was admitted to a local hospital in critical condition with a single gunshot wound to the chest. A third victim, 32-year-old Antonio Rojas, sustained minor injuries from glass fragments.
The victim, later identified as 31-year-old Epifanio Cancino, had been shot twice in the head. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. A second victim was located at the apartment complex that had also been shot. Jose Pena, 27- year-old, male Hispanic, was admitted to a local hospital in critical condition with a single gunshot wound to the chest. A third victim, 32-year-old Antonio Rojas, sustained minor injuries from glass fragments.
The investigation revealed that three victims were in Rojas’ vehicle driving home when they stopped at a traffic light at Vanowen Street and De Soto Avenue. A brown vehicle, driving eastbound, occupied by two male Hispanics with shaved heads, stopped next to them in the curb lane. For no apparent reason, the driver of the suspect’s car began firing at the three victims with a handgun. The suspects drove off at a high rate of speed, southbound on De Soto Avenue from Vanowen Street. Rojas drove the vehicle to the apartment complex where Cancino and Pena reside.
West Valley Homicide Detectives Purdy and Rains are investigating the murder. Anyone with information please contact West Valley Homicide Detectives at 818-345-2210. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jose L. Rodriguez Sr., Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.