Motive for Shooting Death Unclear

Los Angeles: Detectives are trying to determine the motive for a shooting late Tuesday evening that killed a Los Angeles man.

On October 30, 2007, at around 11:35 p.m., Brian Ramos, 20, was parking his car in the 900 block of South Mariposa Avenue. A witness reported seeing a man walk up to Ramos and ask, "Where are you from?"

Before Ramos could respond, the suspect fired multiple shots at him. Several of the rounds hit Ramos critically injuring him. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:15 a.m.

Detective John Shafia said, "The motive for this shooting is not completely clear. Ramos was not a gang member, but we suspect the perpetrator was."

Witnesses described the suspect as a Hispanic man, with very short black hair, 5 ft. 7 in., 170 lbs., in his early 20’s.

Wilshire Detectives are asking for anyone with information to call Detectives John Shafia or Mark Holguin at 213-473-0446. After hours and on weekends, please call the 24-hour Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).