Fatal Shooting in East Los Angeles Leaves One Homeless Man Dead
A tragic shooting in unincorporated East Los Angeles on Saturday left a 56-year-old homeless man dead and two others wounded, prompting a homicide investigation. Authorities are actively searching for the unknown suspect who opened fire on a group of individuals living in an alley near Whittier Boulevard.
Investigators responded to the scene, located in the 5100 block of Whittier Boulevard near Woods Avenue, at approximately 2:25 a.m. on Saturday. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Steven De Jong, deputies discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Identifying the Victim
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office identified the deceased as Juan Gonzalez. He succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound to the chest at the scene. The two surviving victims were transported to a local hospital with gunshot wounds to their legs and are reported to be in stable condition.
Details of the Incident
“Investigators learned the victims were transients living in tents in the alley,” Lt. De Jong stated. The suspect reportedly fired upon the group from Woods Avenue before fleeing in an unknown direction. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear as the investigation continues.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of individuals experiencing homelessness and raises concerns about safety in areas where transient communities reside. .
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Information
The investigation is ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau is urging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals with details regarding the shooting are encouraged to contact the bureau directly at 323-890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
Authorities are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice and ensuring the safety of all residents in Los Angeles County.
