KTLA

Man, woman killed in Monterey Park restaurant shooting; gunman sought

Authorities are searching for a gunman who shot and killed two people inside a Monterey Park restaurant Monday night. 

Monterey Park police responded to a 911 call just before 6:30 p.m. reporting shots fired at Music BBQ Bar in the 500 block of West Garvey Avenue.


An Asian male and female were discovered at the location suffering from multiple upper body gunshot wounds, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release.

The victims were both pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner’s officials later identified the man as 37-year-old Zhaiming Li of Pomona. The woman, who’s believed to be in her 30s, has not been identified pending notification of next of kin.

Investigators believe the victims were targeted by the gunman but the attack was not racially motivated, Lt. Charles Calderaro said.

The shooter may have had a relationship with the woman, Calderaro said.

The gunman was described as an Asian man in his late 30s to early 40s.

“It appears the suspect knew and specifically targeted the victims,” the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. “This incident does not appear to be a random act of violence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 323-890-5500. Anyone who prefers to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers by dialing 800-222-8477.