“The best we can tell, our victim and a 21-year-old suspect were arguing over a $50 debt or theft, when the two started to struggle,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “According to witnesses, another person approached the scuffle and shot the victim point-blank in the head.”
Gang officers in the area stopped a group of men and women at a nearby park. One person was identified among the group by witnesses as the 21-year-old gang member with the dispute. In short order, gang officers were able to piece together the identity of the potential shooter.
That person, a 17-year-old, was arrested around 7:30 AM, as he left his house in the City of San Fernando.
Detectives will continue to work the case and write search warrants for several locations. Meanwhile, doctors are evaluating the victim’s prognosis for recovery. “His injury is quite devastating and the victim is not expected to survive,” Lt. Vernon said.
Robert Chapman and the 17-year-old shooter were booked for attempted murder. In the event doctors remove life support from the victim, both suspects could face murder charges.
The victim was not affiliated with any gang, and he was well known to hang out in the neighborhood.
Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Ryan Verna, Mission Homicide Unit, at (818) 838-9976. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
No comments:
Post a Comment