Boys, 14 and 17, Killed in Separate Gang Shootings

Two youths have been arrested on suspicion of murder in separate gang shootings that claimed the lives of a 17-year-old boy from Jefferson High School and a 14-year-old boy in Koreatown, police said Tuesday.

Obet Perez, 17, of Los Angeles was shot by another Jefferson High student about 4 p.m. Monday during a fight between rival gang members, officials said.

According to Los Angeles Police Lt. Paul Vernon, a 15-year-old boy shot Perez during the confrontation in the 1200 block of 43rd Place, near the campus. The shooting was not connected to the school, he said.

Police did not identify the youth arrested.

Coroner’s officials said Perez was taken to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

In the second shooting, also Monday, a 16-year-old boy remained in custody on suspicion of killing a 14-year-old member of his own gang, Vernon said.

Jorge Barrera was riding in a stolen car with the 16-year-old and another gang member when the older boy opened fire on gang rivals in another vehicle, police said.

One of the bullets struck Barrera in the head, according to Vernon.

The 16-year-old fired again at the other vehicle after Barrera was hit, the lieutenant said.

Police did not identify the accused killer.

The shooting occurred about 4:15 p.m. as the gang members were driving a 1988 Toyota station wagon south in the 1800 block of Magnolia Avenue.

Police found Barrera’s body in the Toyota near Magnolia and Washington Boulevard.

An unnamed teenage driver was booked on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle, and the 16-year-old was booked on suspicion of killing Barrera.

Vernon said a .38-caliber handgun was recovered from the Toyota.