Trio Hurt, 2 Seriously, in Lancaster Drive-By Attack

Two teen-agers were seriously wounded and a man was grazed by a bullet during a rare drive-by shooting Thursday in Lancaster, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported.

Investigators believed that they had identified the armed attackers and said the 12:15 p.m. shooting appeared to stem from a dispute over possession of a car and other personal property, not gang rivalry.

The victims, all Lancaster residents, were identified as Marlon Carter, 19, who was shot in the back; Joseph Rayfield, 17, hit in the hip, and Darrin Jackson, 23, who was grazed on the right knee.

Sgt. Bob Denham said Jackson was treated at the scene and released. Carter and Rayfield were taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center, where they were listed in serious and stable condition, respectively.

The three were walking with three friends through an apartment complex at 43424 16th St. West when a red Ford Escort stopped directly in front of them. Two of an estimated five to seven passengers got out and opened fire with handguns.

One passenger yelled, “There he is now!” as the six pedestrians scattered for cover, Denham said, leading investigators to believe the attackers were seeking retaliation.

Several rounds of ammunition were fired during the attack, which left garage doors and walls in the apartment complex riddled with bullet holes. “No one else was hit,” Denham said, “a miracle considering all the people who live around there.”