3 Killed, 1 Wounded in Separate Gang Shootings

Three people were killed and one was critically wounded during the weekend in separate gang-related shootings, officials said Sunday.

A 19-year-old former gang member was shot and killed in an apparent drive-by shooting while leaving a wedding party just south of downtown Los Angeles, Detective Gil Herrera said.

Cecilo Martinez of Los Angeles was leaving a party in the 800 block of East Adams Boulevard at 12:55 a.m. when at least two shots were fired from an auto, investigators said.

The shooting appeared to be gang-related, although the victim’s brother told police that Martinez no longer belonged to any gangs, Herrera said.

A unidentified gang member was one of two people shot and killed about 4 a.m. at 7th Street and Normandie Avenue near the Ambassador Hotel in the Wilshire District, police said. Investigators did not immediately release details of the shooting. But they said the neighborhood near the Ambassador is known for street drug sales and some gang activity.

Further to the south, a 19-year-old gang member was shot and critically wounded in a drive-by attack in the unincorporated Vermont District of South Los Angeles about 10:50 p.m. Saturday, sheriff’s deputies said.

George Lee Oates III was standing in the street next to a car in front of 11716 Normandie Ave. when he was shot by from a passing car. He was listed in critical condition at Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center with wounds in the left upper chest.