Man Slain as Feud Between Neighbors Turns Violent

A dispute between neighbors in a Lancaster apartment building turned deadly Friday night, resulting in the fatal shooting of one man and the wounding of another, authorities said Saturday.

Javier Lopez Rodriguez, 29, and Edward Valenzuela, 45, were shot about 8:30 p.m. at their apartment in the 1700 block of Park Circle Drive. Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives believe Rodriguez was killed as he stood in the doorway of the apartment. He was hit at least once in the upper body and died at the scene, Deputy Benita Hinojos said.

Valenzuela received a flesh wound to his upper body as he stood on a walkway just outside the apartment. He was in good condition at Antelope Valley Medical Center, Hinojos said.

Homicide detectives are seeking a neighbor of the two men, 20-year-old Armando Flores, in connection with the shootings. Flores is also known as Armando Avalos, Hinojos said.

Detectives believe the shooting resulted from a longstanding feud between the victims, and Flores and his two brothers, Gabriel and Francisco Flores.

All three Flores brothers were last seen in a white Ford Escort, sheriff’s officials said.

They added that the weapon used in the shooting is believed to have been a handgun. No gun has been recovered.