Authorities on Tuesday asked for the public’s help to find those responsible for killing three young adults, including a pregnant woman, during a family’s Fourth of July celebration in the Westlake district.
The shooting occurred near the 1600 block of West Second Street about 12:30 a.m. on July 5, according to a Los Angeles Police Department news release.
The victims — 19-year-old Junior Salinas; his 18-year-old girlfriend, Abril Onofre; and their 18-year-old friend, Ruben Alcantara — were outside the party when they were each shot, the release stated.
Onofre was about 5 months pregnant.
Multiple people were allegedly in a confrontation with partygoers before they “indiscriminately” opened fire in the crowd — which included children — and killed the three victims, police said.
Three other people were also shot during the incident, including one woman who police said was trying to shield her young daughter. Those victims were expected to survive.
Detectives are investigating the shooting as a gang-related homicide, according to the release.
It is unclear how many people were involved in the shooting and how many individuals are being sought. No suspect descriptions have been provided.
The department is seeking assistance in identifying the suspects so the victims’ family members can get closure, the release said.
Witnesses are urged to come forward, and anyone with information can contact Detective Ray Martinez at 213-484-3642 or Detective Steve Chung at 213-484-3643.
Calls can also be made anonymously through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.