Man Killed in Suspected Gang Shooting Identified

A man who was killed in what police suspect was a gang-related shooting was identified by the Los Angeles County coroner Sunday as Gilbert Smith, 20, of Pacoima.

Smith died from gunshot wounds early Saturday morning, said coroner’s investigator Erik D. Arbuthnot.

Smith and a friend were shot shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday as they stood with a group of others on a corner in the 13800 block of Desmond Street, Los Angeles police said. Witnesses told detectives that a gunman began firing at the crowd from across the street, and continued to shoot as he approached.

Smith’s friend, a 19-year-old Arleta man, suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills. Police did not release the identity of the injured victim.

LAPD Sgt. Frank Reynoso said the slaying was being investigated as gang-related based on several witness accounts. No arrests had been made by late Sunday.