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Joseph Esparza, 30, a Latino man, was shot and killed at the intersection of Rose Hedge Drive and Gretna Avenue in the unincorporated area of Whittier at about 6:54 p.m. Saturday, May 31. Esparza was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to L.A. County Sheriff's Department.
"No matter what, you're in my heart. You leave behind a mother and child," Esparza's cousin wrote on a carboard left at his memorial shrine.
Derek Chambers, 21, a black man, was killed in a drive-by shooting at 511 W. 108th St. in South Los Angeles about 1 p.m. Saturday, May 31.
According to Los Angeles Police Department officials, officers from the Southeast Division were patrolling the area when they heard four to five gunshots. Officers saw several people running from 108th Street and responded. Police said the officers found Chambers lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Chambers was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to witnesses, a dark four-door sedan was seen fleeing from an area. Anyone with information can call South Bureau Homicide Detectives Roger Allen or Scott Wilhelm at (213) 485-1383.
A 17-year-old Latino youth was shot and killed in the 12000 block of Neenach Street in Sun Valley about 12:20 a.m. Saturday, May 31. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
According to LAPD spokeswoman Norma Eisenman, the youth was involved in an argument with the suspect at a party he was attending. The suspect pulled out a handgun and shot the teen several times. Eisenman said there was no description of the suspect yet.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, May 28 - June 9, 2008.)
 It has been almost 15 weeks since the death of Antwan Cole.
The 19-year-old young black man was shot several times at a bus stop in Athens Friday, Feb. 8. He was on his way home from work.
Family, friends and supporters gathered Monday morning at the same bus stop near Main and 135th streets to hold a peace event in his memory.
A representative from the office of L.A. County Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Cole's killers.
After the announcement, Cole's family and supporters walked house to house, urging residents to help disrupt the killing cycle by speaking out and cooperating with law enforcement. "Work with us, fight with us to change our community," a flyer distributed during the walk read. "It will take time and won't happen overnight, but we must start now."
"The community was very receptive," said Cole's stepmother, Elizabeth Taylor. "They want change too," she said.
Above: Antwan Cole's stepmother and young sister hugging.
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of May 19-26, 2008
 Cynthia Perez, a 14-year-old Latina girl, was caught in gang crossfire as she sat in the back seat of her family's SUV at the intersection of Avenue 64 and York Boulevard in Highland Park about 3:10 p.m. Monday, May 26.
Perez was taken Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, where she was pronounced dead the next day at 1:15 p.m., according to Chief Assistant Ed Winter of the L.A. County coroner's office. Los Angeles Police Department officials said Fabian Aguirre, 33, had stopped at a light next to the Perez's SUV when he got into an argument with a 16-year-old juvenile gang member who was standing on the sidewalk. The youth allegedly pulled out a gun and fired several shots at Aguirre; one of the bullets struck Perez, authorities said. Perez's 7-year-old brother, who was sitting next to her, was treated for minor cuts caused by flying glass, police said. Aguirre, the driver of the truck, was also hit by the gunfire, but is expected to live. Two hours after the shooting, authorities arrested the 16-year-old alleged gang member on suspicion of attempted murder.
Photo: Carlos Chavez/Los Angeles Times
Frederick Videau, 46, a black man, was shot in the 500 block of East Rosecrans Avenue in Compton about 10:20 p.m. Monday, May 26.
Videau was a longtime resident of the area, known for hanging out and drinking in front of a local liquor store. He was a with a friend that night, drinking, when an assailant in a hood sprang at them, and shot them both. The friend, shot in the chest, was treated at St. Francis hospital in Lynwood and survived. Videau died at the scene within minutes of the shooting. Sheriff's detectives are seeking any information about this case, including anonymous tips. Call (323)890-5500.-Jill Leovy/LAT
Sean Maurice Richardson, 24, a young black man, was shot multiple times in the 800 block of 50th Place in South-Central L.A. about 8:10 a.m. Monday, May 26.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Richardson was approached by a man and shot. Richardson stumbled into the street and collapsed, police said. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead four hours later. Authorities said there is no suspect description or motive. Anyone with information is asked to call South Bureau homicide Dets. Eric Crosson and Chris Barling at (213) 475-1383.
Alfonso Castro, 51, a Latino man, was stabbed to death in the 3200 block of Burton Avenue in Rosemead about 12:30 a.m. Monday, May 26. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
Frank Davis Montes, 20, a young Latino man, was stabbed to death in the 19500 block of Covina Boulevard about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24.
L.A. County Sheriff's Department officials said deputies from the San Dimas Sheriff's Station responded to a call about a fight. Deputies found Montes lying in the parking lot of an apartment complex. He had been stabbed multiple times, authorities said. Paramedics were called but Montes died at the scene. There was no description of a suspect. Anyone with information should call sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500.
Hector Cervantes, a 31-year-old Latino man, was shot in a car-to-car shooting in the 6300 block of Stafford Avenue in Huntington Park at about 1 a.m. May 24th, and died about 30 minutes later at St. Francis hospital in Lynwood. Cervantes' attackers pursued him some distance, and he was struck several times by gunfire. He lost control of the wheel, and his car crashed, said Huntington Park Police Lt. Christopher Bonzer. The suspects are still at large.--Jill Leovy/LAT
 Efrain Leyva, 54, a Latino man, was fatally shot outside his wholesale store at 918 Long Beach Ave. in downtown Los Angeles Friday, May 23.
According to the L.A. County Coroner's Department, Leyva was shot in the leg and head. His time of death is listed as 6:09 p.m.
Leyva's store is in the Warehouse District, near the Los Angeles Times printing facility. Leyva was closing his business when he was shot, according to a customer who emailed the Homicide Report.
It's unclear whether the suspect or suspects were planning to rob Leyva. Homicide detectives with LAPD's Newton Division are investigating. 
Nearby workers described Leyva as a kind and hard-working man who treated everyone equally. The owner of a taco stand where Leyva often ate said he was surprised to hear about his death. He said Leyva just didn't seem the type to have enemies.
A sign left outside of the store for shoppers after the incident said the store would open again on Monday, June 2. It had been torn and left scattered on the sidewalk.
Photo: Above Leyva's wholesale store. To the right, a sign telling shoppers when the store would reopen.
James Milton Hill, a 64-year-old black man, died at a local hospital Friday, May 23, after being shot 13 days ago. Hill had been on life support after surgery.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Hill was shot on May 17 about 4:30 a.m. at the intersection of Florence Avenue and Denker Avenue In South-Central L.A. Police said the driver of a black compact pulled alongside Hill and shot him. Hill collapsed on the pavement.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Dets. Eric Crosson or Chris Barling of LAPD's South Bureau Homicide Division at (213) 785-1383
Jose Antonio Soto, 37, a Latino man, was killed in the 1600 block of West Anaheim Street in Long Beach at about 11:35 p.m. Friday, May 23.
According to Long Beach Police Department officials, Soto was standing on the sidewalk when a man approached and shot him. Soto was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities described the gunman only as a man in his 40s or 50s. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Dets. Scott Lasch or Malcolm Evans at (562) 570-7244.
Robleon Sheards, 19, a young black man, was shot and killed in at 240 W.84th Place in South-Central Los Angeles at about 11:47 p.m. Friday, May 23.
Sheards was attending a house party, and apparently tried to dance with a woman whose boyfriend was also at the party, said LAPD South Burea Det. Roger Guzman. The boyfriend became jealous, and argued with Sheards. The conflict was broken up, and Sheards left the party, walking outside. His assailant followed him, and the two got into a fistfight on the sidewalk. Other people were also present. Gunshots rang out, and Sheards was struck multiple times. Sheards was pronounced dead at the scene. The case remains under investigation; no suspect is in custody.
Sheards was a Transportation Security Administration worker at Los Angeles International Airport. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (213) 485-1383.-Jill Leovy/LAT
Dominique Dunn, 19, a young black man, was mortally wounded in a shooting at 6451 E. 72nd Street Paramount at about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. The man died at a local hospital, according to authorities. Homicide detectives from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department are investigating.
Artak Karamyan, 28, a white man, was shot and killed at 12459 Oxnard Street in North Hollywood about 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. Within minutes, Paylak Harutyunay, 29, also a white man, was shot several times near the intersection of Vanowen Street and Coldwater Canyon Boulevard. Both men died at the scene.
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood Division responded to a report of a shooting, according to police, and found Karamyan dead with a gunshot wound to his chest. A few minutes later, a second shooting was reported about a mile and a half away. According to authorities, officers found Harutyunay fatally wounded from a "car-to-car" shooting. Police said Karamyan and Hrutyunay had been involved in a dispute with a group of men.
Police arrested Avetis Vartanyan, 24, on suspicion of murder. Authorities said a pistol was recovered from the yard of a home where Vartanyan had allegedly hidden.
Paylak Harutyunya, 29, a white man, is the second homicide victim of a shooting spree in North Hollywood listed above.
Richard Pope, 22, a young Latino man, was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting at the intersection of Merced Avenue and Ramona Boulevard in Baldwin Park at about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. Pope was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he died at 7:23 p.m.
L.A. County Sheriff's Department officials said Pope was on the passenger side of a car that was at a stoplight when two Latino men in a dark colored vehicle pulled up next to it. One of the men then began shooting at the car, hitting Pope several times, authorities said.
Frederick Morales, 30, a Latino man, was shot and killed at 11477 Copeland Street in Lynwood about 10:12 p.m. Monday, May 19.
According to L.A. County Sheriff's Department, residents found Morales with gunshot wounds to his upper torso in an alley after hearing gunshots. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
Oscar Orendain, 33, a Latino man, was shot and killed in the 10200 block of Grevillea Avenue in Lennox at about 4:37 p.m. Monday, May 19. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:25 p.m. Detectives from the L.A. County Sheriff's homicide bureau are investigating.
Ralph Stofleth, a 91-year-old man, was found dead in the backyard of his home in the 9842 Potter St. at about 4:45 p.m. Monday, May 19.
Deputy Luis Castro of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau said deputies responded to a welfare check call and were inspecting the home when they discovered Stofleh. He said the body had been lying in the yard for several weeks. According to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office, Stofleth's body was found covered with sheets and cardboard. Shortly after, the man's 56-year-old daughter, Linda Sue Copeland, was arrested on suspicion of murdering her father, Castro said. Los Angeles County Coroner's Department will determine the cause of death. Authorities believe that Stofleth was killed between Feb. 1 and Feb. 8. Deputy District Attorney Taraneh Saba of the Elder Abuse section has been assigned to the case.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, May 19 - 26, 2008.)
 Hae Sook Roh, 51, a Korean woman, was fatally shot inside her store in the 2300 block of Rosecrans Avenue in Gardena on Monday evening.
A day after the shooting, the city of Gardena offered a $10,000 reward for the conviction of two robbers who shot Roh. Former customers drove to the store to confirm the news of her death.
Roh operated her store alone, and it was always open, former customers said. "I loved her," said Felita Hammond, 40, a former customer who drove to the store when she heard about the shooting. "I liked the way she did business."
According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, the suspects were described as black men in their 20s. The gunman was wearing a bandana, black jacket, white T-shirt and shorts. The second man was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans. Both suspects were last seen running westbound on Rosecrans. A surveillance video shows the gunman storming into the store, pointing a gun at Roh, and shooting her once. As he tried to open the cash register he shot Roh twice more.
A neighboring shop owner said she heard three gunshots. She walked to Roh's store and found her lying behind the counter. The woman said she ran back to her store and dialed 911.
Latex gloves from paramedics were left behind just ouside the store. Near the front entrance were boxes scattered on the floor, and a few feet away dry bloodstains.
A friend of the family said Roh lived in Harbor City. She emigrated from Korea with her husband and two children. Roh had owned her store, Shirt 6 for $10, for five years and had been robbed before, the friend said.
Former customers said Roh always greeted them with a smile. "She was a wonderful person for our community," said Janet Wilson, 51, a former customer who dropped off a vase of flowers in front of the store. Hammond said she wasn't surprised to hear about the robbery. "But to kill her," she said, "I can't stomach that."
See L.A. Times story
Detectives from LAPD's South Bureau homicide squad continue their investigation of the fatal shooting of Roberto Perez, 25, with help from members of the Crime Scene Search Unit in Exposition Park.
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of May 12-18, 2008
Adrian Franco, a 19-year-old Latino young man, was shot and killed in the back of an apartment building at 131 N. Alvarado Street in LAPD's Rampart Division at about 10:08 p.m. May 18. A suspect fled the scene on a bicycle. Franco died at the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD detectives at (213)207-2060.--Jill Leovy/LAT
Gabriel Martinez, 19, a young Latino man, died from severe injuries after falling from a moving vehicle in the 1100 block of North Stimson Avenue in La Puente about 4:20 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
According to Deputy Oscar Butao of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Martinez was involved in a fight with two men. A short time later, the two men got into a white pickup truck and attempted to leave the scene. Authorities said Martinez grabbed onto the driver's-side door, but lost his grip, fell and died from severe injuries at the scene. Authorities said the two men were later found and detained for questioning. No arrests have been made, Butao said.
 Jameion Adonnis Benton, 21, young black man, was shot at 1413 Myrtle Street in Long Beach about 12:09 a.m. Sunday, May 18. Benton was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:22 a.m.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers responded to a call of "shots-fired." Upon arrival, the officers found Benton on the street with gunshot wounds to the torso. Authorities said the motive for the shooting was unknown.
Benton was four days away from his birthday. Police said he was from Louisiana.
 Long Beach: Roketi Su`e, a 46-year-old Samoan man, was shot and killed by police officers in the 3400 block of East 67th Street about 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17. He was taken to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
According to a Long Beach police statement, officers responded to several calls from residents in the neighborhood about a man who was acting violently and erractically. When they arrived at the scene, officers saw Su`e and tried to arrest him, police said. The officers were then involved in a "physical altercation" with Su`e, according to the statement. The officers used their batons to gain control of Su`e but were unable to. Fearing for their lives, one of the officers shot Su`e multiple times in the torso, the statement said. Shortly after the shooting, officers were confronted by at least 40 people. Additional units arrived to assist the officers, and police were able to take control of the situation, according to the statement. Police said the L.A. County coroner's office will determine whether Su'e was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Anyone with information about the incident can call Long Beach homicide detectives at (562) 570-7244. Above: A family photo of Roketi Su`e
Update: Members of the Samoan community of Long Beach gathered Tuesday to denounce the shooting of Su'e.
Armando Avalos, a 25-year-old Latino man, was shot during an argument in the 1900 block of East 105th Street in South Los Angeles about 11:50 p.m. Saturday, May 17.
L.A. Police Detective Sal Labarbera said Avalos and a friend were walking on the sidewalk between Anzac Avenue and Grape street when they were approached by two men. He said the men were involved in a "physical altercation" when one of the men pulled out a gun and shot Avalos. He was taken by ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Anyone with information can call Southeast homicide detectives at (213) 485-4341.
Carlos Rivera, 17, a Latino youth, was fatally shot by officers from LAPD's Newton Division in the 100 block of East 45th Street near Exposition Park about 7:20 p.m. Saturday, May 17.
According to LAPD spokeswoman Norma Eisenman, officers responded to a radio call of a man with a gun. Upon arrival, the officers saw a group of men. Eisenman said Rivera pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officers. Fearing their lives were in danger, the officers fired several shots at Rivera. Authorities said no one else was injured from the shooting.
Update: L.A. County Department of Coroner has identified the man as Carlos Rivera, a 17-year-old Latino youth.
 Hayk Jack Torosyan, 29, an Armenian man, was stabbed during a fight at 1100 Alameda Ave. in Glendale about 2:15 a.m. Saturday, May 17. He was taken by ambulance to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:33 a.m.
Police spokesman John Balian of the Glendale Police Department said that Torosyan had been involved in an argument with his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend on Friday, May 16. Later that day, Torosyan and a friend, Brian Herbert, 38, went looking for the ex-boyfriend, Avetis Barnasyan, 23, also Armenian. The two men found Barnasyan early Saturday near an alley by the intersection of Alameda Avenue and Glenoaks Boulevard. Balian said Torosyan and Barnasyan fought in the alley. During the fight, Torosyan was stabbed once in the chest with a knife. Balian said the knife punctured his heart.
Police arrested Herbert and Barnasyan on suspicion of murder. Balian said the two men were released by the court on Tuesday, May 20, because Torosyan had initiated the fight and Barasyan was simply defending himself.
Update: According to the L.A. County Department of Coroner, Torosyan is 29-years-old.
 Preston Wayne Brumfield, a 49-year-old black man, was found unconscious in a pool of blood on the sidewalk at 1948 20th Street in Santa Monica at about 11:30 p.m. on May 11 and was pronounced dead at a local hospital four days later, at 11:18 a.m. May 16. Coroner's investigators said initially that his injuries were consistent with an assault, and that he may have been hit with a baseball bat, but further investigation is pending to determine the cause of death. A passerby made the 911 call. Brumfield lived a few doors down from where he was found.--Jill Leovy
 Robert Samuel Hoover, a 23-year-old black man, was shot and killed in the 900 block of West 62nd Place in South-Central L.A. about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14.
According to LAPD Det. Carlos Velasquez, Hoover's niece, a 17-year-old girl, was sexually assaulted by a man at an apartment building at this address shortly before the shooting. She escaped, and ran to tell her mother and Hoover, her uncle.
The girl, her mother and Hoover then went to the apartment where she had been assaulted, and confronted the sexual assault suspect in the courtyard of the apartment building. The suspect pulled out a gun and shot Hoover. The girl and her mother ran away. The suspect also then fled. Hoover was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD 77th Street Division Det. Chris Barling at (213) 485-1385.
-Jill Leovy/LAT
Ernesto Cardenas, 26, a Latino man, is one of three people killed in Pacoima. His information is under Jaime Mejia Jr., 20, who is listed below.
Glenn Patrick Rose, 25, a white man, was shot and killed by deputies and officers while driving a pickup truck in the 300 block of 1st Avenue in Covina about 2:07 a.m. Tuesday, May 13.
Authorities said California Highway Patrol officers were on the Pomona Freeway pursuing a 1991 white Honda Accord believed to have been stolen by Rose and his girlfriend. Deputies from the Walnut sheriff's station were asked to assist when the chase moved from the freeway to Covina streets.
L.A. County Sheriff's Department officials said the couple drove into an alley in the 300 block of 1st Avenue, where they abandoned the Accord and took a 1989 burgundy pickup truck that was parked in the alley. According to authorities, a CHP car slammed into the back of the truck as it was pulling out. The truck then collided with a sheriff's patrol car. Still attempting to flee, the driver backed the truck into the same CHP car, then drove toward deputies who were taking cover behind a nearby vehicle. Fearing for their lives, deputies and CHP officers fired several shots. Rose was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Lt. David Coleman of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau.
Rose's girlfriend, Sarah Morales, 24, a white woman, was arrested shortly after the shooting. She was charged with assaulting an officer and unlawfully driving or taking a vehicle.
 Samuel Om, a 21-year-old Asian man, was fatally shot at the intersection of West 7th Street and Westmore Avenue in the Westlake area about 12:15 a.m. Monday, May 13.
According to a statement released by the California Highway Patrol, officers saw a gold Mercedes heading east on 7th Street from Vermont Avenue. The officers pulled the car over on suspicion that the driver was driving drunk. Shortly after, Om exited the vehicle and approached the officers while pointing a gun at them, the statement said. Fearing for their lives, the officers fired several shots at Om, according to the statement. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jaime Mejia Jr., 20, a Latino man was shot and killed in an apparent drive-by shooting at 12674 Louvre St. in Pacoima about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. Mejia was taken by ambulance to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m.
According to LAPD spokesman Richard French, Mejia was riding his bicycle when a car pulled alongside him. Someone from inside the car fired several shots, hitting Mejia in the chest, French said. The suspects were described as two Latino men.
The following day, in the 900 block of Nagle Avenue about 2:58 a.m., officers from the LAPD's Foothill Division responded to a call of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers found Ernesto Cardenas, 26, a Latino man, with gunshot wounds. Cardenas was taken by ambulance to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 3:20 a.m.
Police said the shootings were unrelated.
Kenbert Nolberto, a 28-year-old black man, was shot in the intersection of 117th Street and Van Buren Avenue in Athens about 5:11 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:50 p.m., according to authorities. Homicide detectives with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department are investigating.
Felicitas Vallejo, a 51-year-old Latina woman, was allegedly stabbed to death in a domestic dispute. Authorities said Vallejo was pronounced dead at the scene in the 2100 block of Powers Street in Pomona at 6:33 a.m. Monday, May 12.
Pomona police Lt. Ron McDonell said a dispute between Vallejo and her husband, Jose Franco Rodriguez , 61, may have led to the stabbing. Rodriguez is wanted for questioning and is described as a Latino man, 5'8 and 220 pounds. Anyone with information can call Pomona Police Department at (909) 620-2085
Stevona Campbell, a 13-year-old black female, was found dead near Avenue P and 50th Street East in Palmdale about 6:45 a.m. Monday, May 12. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lt. David Coleman of the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau said Campbell was found wrapped in a carpet on the side of the road next to an onion field by a farmworker. He said the coroner's office has ruled her death a homicide on Thursday morning. Coleman would not comment about the cause of death. "We're looking into contacts and relationships she may have had," Coleman said. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500.
Update: A car wash will be held at Cactus Middle School, located at 38060 20th St. East, to raise money for funeral expenses. The wash will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 17.
Hae Sook Roh,51, a Korean woman, was fatally shot during a robbery in the 2300 block of West Rosecrans Avenue in Gardena about 6:45 p.m. Monday, May 12. Roh was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead, according to authorities.
A neighboring shop owner heard gunshots coming from the building and went to investigate. She found Roh lying wounded on the floor, according to a statement released by Gardena Police Lt. Uikilifi Niko. See dispatch.
Manuel Rodriguez, 16, a Latino youth, was shot near Remick Avenue and Weidner Street in Pacoima on Monday, May 12. Rodriguez was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m.
Rodriguez was riding his bicycle when a suspect ran up, shot him and fled southbound on Remick, said Det. Pat Barron of the LAPD's Foothill Division. The next day, Jamie Mejia Jr., 20, a Latino man, was riding his bicycle in the 12600 block of Louvre Street about 3:15 p.m. when he was fatally shot. Barron said the two incidents may be related, but he didn't have evidence to suggest that they were.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, May 12-18, 2008.)
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of May 5-12, 2008
 Michael Byoune, 19, a young black man, was killed by Inglewood police officers in the 3000 block of Manchester Boulevard about 1:40 a.m. Sunday, May 11. Byoune was declared dead at the scene, authorities said.
According to police, officers were in their patrol car when they heard gunfire. They saw a man running from a parking lot and getting into a slow-moving car. The officers fired several shots as the vehicle came toward them, police said. Byoune was sitting in the passenger side of the car.
The driver of the car was also wounded and taken to a local hospital, where he is recovering. A third person, who was sitting in the back seat of the car, was detained for questioning.
Update: Inglewood police officials said they were looking for a gunman who they believe prompted two police officers to fatally shoot an unarmed passenger in an approaching car.
Jose Acuna, 22, a young Latino man, was shot in the stomach at 3929 Fernwood Ave. about 11:35 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Acuna was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was declared dead 1:49 a.m., authorities said. L.A. County Sheriff detectives are investigating.
Jose Medina, 33, a Latino man, was shot to death in the 600 block of West Gladstone Street in Azusa on Saturday, May 10. Medina was declared dead at the scene, authorities said.
According to Deputy Luis Castro of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Medina was walking eastbound on Gladstone when a suspect emerged from a parked car, pointed a gun at him and demanded money. The suspect shot Medina, as well as a second man at the scene, who is recovering at a hospital, Castro said.
 Luis Leon, 19, a Latino man, was fatally wounded in a shooting in the 1400 block of West 58th Street in Los Angeles about 11 a.m. Friday, May 9. Police said Leon was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
Police said that Leon was standing on the sidewalk when a four-door vehicle drove up and stopped. A man stepped out of the vehicle and shot Leon. The man ran back to the vehicle and fled the scene, police said.
A 19-year-old black man was also wounded in the shooting. He was taken to a local hospital, where he is recovering. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call (213) 485-1383.
Andrew Lopez Jr., 16, a Latino youth, was stabbed in the chest in the 41000 block of 22nd Street West in Palmdale about 11 p.m. Friday, May 9. Lopez was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:35 p.m.
Authorities said Lopez was stabbed after an argument between two groups of men at a house party. The men were uninvited, authorities said. The suspects were described as white and were last seen driving a white pickup truck southbound on 22nd Street, authorities said. Two other men were also stabbed and were taken by ambulance to a hospital, where they were recovering.
Edgar Castellanos, 19, a Latino man, was fatally shot in the 2300 block of Lake Shore Avenue in Echo Park about 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 9.
Police said the gunman walked up to Castellanos and shot him. He was found lying on the driveway of a home with two gunshot wounds to his head, according to Det. Pjai Morris of LAPD's Northeast Division. He said Castellanos was a documented gang member.
Ricardo Cortez, 40, a Latino man, was stabbed in the 7715 Eastern Ave. in Bell Gardens about 3:45 p.m. Friday, May 9. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said Cortez was stabbed after he was confronted by the father and son of a teenage girl who told them that he had allegedly accosted her. Authorities said the 15-year-old girl was walking on Eastern Avenue when the man made "sexual advances." The girl ran home and told her family.
The father and son found Cortez and a fight ensued, during which Cortez was stabbed, authorities said. It was unclear how the father and son identified Cortez as the one who accosted the girl. Deputy Luis Castro said no arrests were made because investigators had not determined who stabbed Cortez. Bell Gardens police officers were the first on scene, Castro said.
 Jaquelyn Fields, 46, a black woman, was found dead in an alley in the 11200 block of Avalon Boulevard in South Los Angeles about 9:30 a.m., Friday May 9. Police said Fields died of multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. She was known to frequent the area of Imperial Highway and Avalon Boulevard, according to investigators. Authorities said she was last seen by friends late Thursday. There are no suspects, and a motive for the slaying was unknown, police said. Anyone with information can call South Bureau Homicide Det. Sal LaBarbera at (213) 485-4341.
Evelyn Oletha Mosley, a 90-year-old black woman, was found dead inside her burning home in the 3200 Block of North Lincoln Avenue in Altadena about 9:59 a.m. Thursday, May 8.
Mosley was discovered in her kitchen shortly after firefighters extinguished the fire, authorities said. Mosley's housekeeper, who works part-time, was later arrested on suspicion of murder. Investigators with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department have not released her name.
Update: The housekeeper was released after extensive questioning by detectives, according to Deputy Denise Fuchs of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. She said the incident is still being investigated as a homicide.
Alejandro Villa, a 14-year-old Latino youth, was shot in the 12700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard in Pacoima about 8:30 p.m. Monday. He he was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:26 p.m.
LAPD spokeswoman Ana Aguirre said two groups of juveniles were involved in a fistfight. When the group dispersed, one of the youths pulled out a gun and began shooting randomly, hitting Villa in the back of the head. "It's unknown if he was struck as he was walking away," Aguirre said. Villa may have staggered to the sidewalk, where officers from LAPD's Foothill Division found him. There is no description of the suspect and no arrests have been made, Aguirre said.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, May 5-12, 2008.)
It has been a week since the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Roberto Perez .
The Latino man was shot to death at the intersection of 41st Street and South Vermont Avenue across from Manual Arts High School in Exposition Park about 7:45 p.m. Friday, May 2. Family members said Perez was the second-oldest of four children.
He was from Mexico and had a 3-year-old son. He had dropped out of high school to work full time as a carpenter so he could help the family with rent and bills. He was also supporting his son. Neighbors told the family that their son was well-mannered and that many of the area children admired Perez. "He was a big kid," his sister, Blanca Perez, 16, said.
"I lost my only brother," said older brother Agustin Perez,  27, looking at the hardwood floor.
According to Det. Frank Alvelais of LAPD's South Bureau Homicide, Perez was walking to the store when a vehicle pulled up. Someone got out and shot him several times.
Family said he and his older brother had been visiting their cousin, who owns a carpet store a few blocks from the killing. They said Perez was on his way to buy beer when he was shot twice in the back and once in the head. A youth ran to the store and told Agustin what had happened. Agustin said he ran to the corner and found his brother lying on the sidewalk, already dead.
"I took off my white shirt and covered him up so no one would see him," he said. Agustin then ran to his parents' house around the corner.
 Blanca, the youngest sister, said she was returning from a college campus field trip when she learned her brother had been shot. She saw the police and yellow tape, but thought it was for a car accident. Agustin told her that their brother had been shot. She ran to the corner. "I couldn't breath," she said playing with her golden chain. "I couldn't believe it."
Family members are seeking donations for funeral services.
From top to bottom: A picture of Perez. A memorial shrine in the living room table. Family members have placed a slice of pizza aside for Perez. To the left, a second memorial shrine located just a street away.
Melvin Espinoza, 26, a Latino man, was fatally shot at the front door of his apartment in Lynwood about 1:30 a.m., August 27, 2005.
He and his girlfriend were awakened by a neighbor knocking at their front door. The neighbor said her boyfriend was arguing with four men who had been stealing fire extinguishers in the building. She asked Espinoza if he could intervene, Espinoza's sister, Jackie, said.
"He was never afraid to help you," she said.
He confronted the four men. "He told them to leave, and I guess they felt they were being disrespected," his sister said.
Espinoza and his girlfriend were returning to their apartment when two of the four men approached them. Espinoza said her brother pushed his girlfriend inside the apartment, closed the door and was shot in the face by one of the two men. He collapsed by the door and died, she said.
Four months after the shooting two of the four men were identified and arrested. The men were Latino gang members. Jackie Espinoza said her brother's girlfriend and the neighbor testified against the two men. The gunman was convicted of murder, she said. The other man was acquitted and released. Fearing retaliation, Espinoza's girlfriend moved to her grandmother's house in Riverside. Their neighbors also moved out of the area.
Jackie Espinoza, 31, said her brother had a big heart. He was 6 feet 1 and weighed about 200 pounds. She said he was the kind of man who would pull over if your car was broken down at the side of the road. He would offer you a ride as long as you gave him gas money. He never gave homeless people money but bought them food instead.
Her brother wanted to finish school to become a phlebotomist, a person who draws blood. He was a medical assistant and was taking care of their diabetic mother, who required insulin shots. She said her brother oversaw their mother's medications and doctor appointments.
She said her brother had a 1996 green Ford Explorer SUV that he loved. "He only used it for special occasions," she said. The SUV had neon lights, rims, a sound system and a Flowmaster exhaust system. "You could always hear him coming around the corner of our house," she said. "He loved loud noises."
According to Jackie, her 26-year-old sister now drives the SUV. "He had left something for all of us, should anything happen to him," she said. "He wanted her to keep the truck."
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of April 28 - May 5, 2008
At least four homeless people have been killed in L.A. County in the last two weeks.
Long Beach: Terry Jr. Williamson, 29, a black man, was stabbed to death at 2001Cedar Ave. in Long Beach at 1:30 a.m. Monday, May 5.
According to Sgt. Dina Zapalski of the Long Beach Police Department, Williamson was standing in front of an apartment building when he was stabbed in the upper torso by two Latino men. Williamson was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2 a.m., police said.
Four days before that attack, Juan Ortiz, 31, a Latino man, was shot and killed near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Anaheim Street in Long Beach about 2:20 p.m. Thursday, May 1. Police said officers responded to a call of a "gunshot victim" at the east bank of the Los Angeles River flood control channel. Ortiz was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:10 p.m., authorities said. Anyone with information about the incident can call Dets. David Rios and William K. Matsubara at (562) 570-7244.
 Northridge: Harold Loftis, a 69-year-old white man, pictured left, was pronounced dead from blunt-force head trauma at Northridge Hospital Medical Center Thursday, May 1.
According to Det. Mike Fesperman of LAPD's Devonshire Division, Loftis was pacing back and forth in front of a bus stop at Roscoe and Reseda boulevards about 10 p.m. Monday, April 14. Fesperman said a Latino man walking by punched him in the face. Loftis was taken to the hospital. He remained in the intensive-care unit for at least two weeks, until he was declared brain dead.
Fesperman said Loftis was born in Tennessee. He described the suspect as a Latino man in his 20s, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds.
Florence: Troy Green Jr., 23, a black man, was shot and killed at 75th Street and Parmelee Avenue in an unincorporated area of Florence about 9:50 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Green is listed below.
Roberto Romero, 27, a Latino man and his brother, Manuel Romero, 36, also Latino, were shot and killed at 532 W. 74th St. in South-Central L.A. about 9:45 p.m. Authorities said Manuel was pronounced dead at the scene. Roberto was taken to California Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
According to Det. Carlos Velasquez of LAPD's 77th Street Division, the two men and the suspect were standing near Manuel's van. The suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at the two men. Velasquez described the suspect as a black man with shoulder-length cornrows or braids. He was seen driving from the scene in a silver or beige SUV, Velasquez said. Anyone with information about the incident can call (213) 485-1659
Manuel Romero, 36, is the second victim of the double homicide listed above.
Jose Perez, a 16-year-old Latino youth, was shot to death in the 5000 block of Maine Avenue in Baldwin Park about 9:16 p.m. Saturday, May 3. According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Perez was declared dead at the scene.
 Jose Espinosa, 31, a Latino man, was fatally shot at Venice Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue in the Pico-Union area about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3. Police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman said Espinosa was driving west on Venice Boulevard in a burgundy Chevrolet Camaro and was fired on in the intersection, then crashed his car into a pole. He was taken by paramedics to California Hospital Medical Center, where doctors learned he had been shot, she said. The man died later at the hospital, authorities said.
Christopher Lee Hamilton, 33, a white man, was shot in the head in the 13400 block of Verdura Avenue in Downey about midnight Saturday, May 3. Police Sgt. Jeff Calhoun of the Downey Police Department said officers responded to a radio call of "shots-fired" about 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 2. Upon arrival officers found Hamilton lying on a driveway with a gunshot wound. Calhoun said Hamilton was at a small gathering when he was shot. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Raul Salazar (562) 904-2332 or Det. Sam Gatfield at (562) 904-2391
Jeffrey Alvarado, 18, a Latino man, was shot and killed at 512 S. Hoefner Ave. in East Los Angeles just after midnight Saturday, May 3. According Deputy Rick Pedroza of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Alvarado was attending a "flier party" when someone pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at the crowd. Alvarado was hit in the upper torso and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
Two other people were wounded and were taken to hospitals, where they are recovering. Authorities said the motive for the shooting is still unknown.
Marco Gomez, 31, a Latino man, was killed in an officer-involved shooting in the 1400 block of 23rd Street in South Los Angeles about 11:05 p.m. Friday, May 2.
According to police, officers from the Newton Area Gang Enforcement Detail responded to a radio call of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers were told that Gomez had fired a shot at someone and then ran inside a home. Officers prepared to enter the home and search for Gomez after he refused to come out.
When Officers Eric Rose and Kevin Raines entered the home, they encountered Gomez armed with a semi-automatic pistol, police said. Both Rose and Raines shot Gomez multiple times. Police were unable to confirm whether Gomez fired his weapon or not. Authorities said Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene and that the semi-automatic pistol was recovered.
Roberto Perez, 25, a Latino man, was shot and killed at 4080 S. Vermont Ave. near Exposition Park about 7:45 p.m. Friday, May 2.
According to Det. Frank Alvelais of the LAPD's South Bureau Homicide, Perez was on his way to the store on his bicycle when a vehicle pulled up to him. Alvelais said a suspect exited the car, approached Perez and shot him several times. Perez was declared dead at the scene, he said. See dispatch above for more on Perez.
Juan Ortiz, 31, is one of four homeless men in L.A. County to be killed in a two week period. The men are listed above in an earlier post.
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