Shooting Claims Life of 20 Year Old Victim

July 18, 2000

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, July 18, 2000

"Shooting Claims Life of 20 Year Old Victim"

Korea Town: Rampart Homicide Detectives are investigating the shooting death of Mark Santiago, a male Hispanic, 20 years of age.

On Monday, July 17, 2000, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Rampart patrol officers responded to a radio call "ADW, shots fired, victim down in front of 225 South Berendo Street." Upon their arrival, the officers discovered the victim had been shot and was inside a red Toyota van. Responding LAFD paramedics pronounced Santiago dead at the scene.

The investigation revealed Santiago drove to the location for an unknown reason, after leaving work. Santiago stopped his vehicle in front of 225 South Berendo Street. An unknown suspect approached the victim’s open driver’s window. He produced a blue steel revolver and shot at Santiago multiple times. The suspect then fled on foot south on Berendo Street toward 3rd Street.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 22 years old, 5′ 06", 175 lbs. He has a shaved head and was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt with a zippered front.

The motive for this shooting is not known. The suspect and weapon are outstanding.

Anyone with information should contact Rampart Homicide Detectives at 213-207-2051,

Prepared by Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

For Release 4:00 pm PDT
July 18, 2000