Police Suspect Gang in Street Killings of 2

A 21-year-old man and a teenage boy, both from Pacoima, died early Sunday after being shot just a few blocks from one another in what may have been gang-related incidents, police said.

The teenager, Elmer Ortiz, 17, was standing on the sidewalk in the 10900 block of Lehigh Avenue about 12:40 a.m. talking to friends when an unknown attacker walked toward him and opened fire, said Los Angeles Police Det. Frank Bishop.

The boy, who lived in the neighborhood, was shot several times in the upper torso, Bishop said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Moments later and several blocks away, Eddie Marquez was shot while standing on the sidewalk in the 10300 block of Cayuga Avenue with several friends, Bishop said. One of his companions was shot in the leg.

Both men were taken to a local hospital where Marquez was pronounced dead and the man with the leg wound was treated and released.

Bishop said witnesses told police the shots were fired from a dark-colored Honda. The witnesses could not see how many passengers were in the car.

“It appears the same gang members committed both crimes,” Bishop said.

No arrests have been made. Police said they have identified suspects, but declined to name them.

A small memorial display of helium balloons, flowers and candles was placed near the scene of the Marquez killing Sunday afternoon. Friends who made the display described Marquez as outgoing, funny and promising.

“He was trying to get his life together,” said a 23-year-old Pacoima man who declined to give his name.

The friend said Marquez was no longer involved in gangs and was enrolled at Mission College. He said he didn’t know why anyone would want to kill his childhood friend.

A woman, who identified herself as Marquez’s girlfriend but would not disclose her name, said Marquez and most of his friends lived in the neighborhood.