Police Believe Gang Members Killed Man, 19

PACOIMA — A 19-year-old Panorama City man was shot to death outside a relative’s house in a gang-related attack, police said Saturday.

The victim, Alan Figueroa, and a male teenage friend pulled into the driveway of Figueroa’s aunt’s house in the 13100 block of Terra Bella Street about 10:40 p.m. Friday, Los Angeles Police Det. Frank Bishop said.

As Figueroa’s friend got out to unlatch a gate, a dark-colored compact vehicle carrying two to four people pulled in behind them, Bishop said.

After an exchange of words between the occupants of the two cars, Figueroa was shot once in the torso, Bishop said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

“We believe the suspects are gang-related,” Bishop said, adding that police have no indication that the victim was involved with gangs.

Janet Figueroa, the mother of the victim, said her son was her only child and was a recent high school graduate.

“He was my doll--really good, really caring. No one ever said anything bad about him,” she said.

Police said no suspects have been taken into custody, no weapon has been located and the motive is unclear.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call LAPD Foothill detectives at (818) 834-3115 or (818) 756-8861.