Drive-By Killing of Teen, 2nd Attack May Be Related

The fatal drive-by shooting of a 16-year-old boy Monday night may have provoked a retaliation attack that sent two other youths to the hospital, according to authorities.

Francisco Adame of Van Nuys was riding a bicycle about 8 p.m. Monday near Vanowen Street and Gloria Avenue when at least two assailants--described only as males--drove by and opened fire, said Los Angeles Police Det. David Escoto.

Adame was pronounced dead at the scene, Escoto said.

Both Adame and his assailants were believed to have ties to gangs, according to authorities.

Just before 10 p.m. the same night, an undetermined number of assailants in a car opened fire on two youths at Reseda Park at Kittridge Street and Etiwanda Avenue, said Police Det. James Leahy.

Two 17-year-old boys were taken to a hospital, where one was in critical condition and the other in stable condition, according to authorities.

The victims and assailants in the second shooting were also believed to have ties to gangs, police said.

There were no descriptions of any of the assailants or the vehicles in either shooting, according to police.

It was not established that the attacks were connected. “We’re looking into the possibility they may be related,” Escoto said. “Nothing is confirmed. . . . It’s just the proximity of time.”