Jul 26, 2008 10:43 am US/Pacific
L.A. Rocked By Homicides, Gang Violence, Shootings
LOS ANGELES
South Los Angeles looked more like the Wild, Wild West Saturday evening as homicides were reported in Laconia (2 dead) and Century as well as shootings in Newton (a drive-by that injured at least 7 people) and Pacoima (a robbery attempt), according to authorities.
In the first reported fatality, A 17-year-old boy walking to a neighborhood market in Athens was shot, sheriff's deputies said Saturday.
The shooting, which claimed the life of Adiel Quezada, occured in the 13800 block of Avalon Boulevard about 8:35 p.m. Friday, according to Sgt. Diane Hecht of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.
Family members heard gunshots, came outside and found Adiel in a parking lot with fatal wounds to his upper body, she said.
It was not immediately clear if homicide detectives found any witnesses. Anyone with more information was asked to call detectives at (323) 890-5500.
Two other men were fatally shot in South Los Angeles.
This shooting occured about 11:45 on Laconia Boulevard. One man died at the scene. Another driven from the scene, died at Vermont and 120th Street, according to police.
Early reports said that a toddler was injured in this shooting but Saturday morning police discounted that report.
Police are not sure if the shootings are gang-related.
In Mount Washington, near 149 S. Avenue 54, a man was shot in the upper body and right arm at 3:34 a.m.
LAFD paramedics took the victim to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena.
The victim was in his 20s, according to LAPD Sgt. Patricia Milewski. He's reported in critical condition.
The Pacoima shooting, according to police, was an attempted robbery.
In that crime, a would-be robber shot his victim grazing him in the head.
Los Angeles police Sgt. Mike Smith of the Foothill Station says the victim will recover.
The man was shot about 10:15 p.m. Smith said the gunman "got scared" and fired one shot at the victim.
The suspect is believed to have fled in a gray-colored Honda or Acura.
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