A gunman fatally shot a man “without warning” moments after they stepped out of an SUV on Sunday in Panorama City, authorities said.
Nearby residents reported the shooting about 12 p.m. in the 14600 block of Novice Street (map), just west of Van Nuys Boulevard, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The unidentified victim was shot multiple times at close range, the LAPD said. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
“It appears the victim climbed over a child’s car seat in the back seat and got out of the SUV on the curb side,” Lt. Paul Vernon said in the police statement. “He turned away from the car when the shooter exited the front passenger door and shot him from behind. It seems the victim had no idea what was happening.”
The SUV is said to be a tan or gold Chevy Blazer or Toyota Forerunner, driven by a Hispanic woman. The shooter is described as a Hispanic man in his 20s, with a medium build, short hair or shaved head, wearing blue jeans and a green shirt. Both remained at large Sunday.
Because the victim and assailants were in the same vehicle before the incident, investigators believe they may have known one another, “but even that is a supposition at this point,” Vernon said.
The incident occurred on “a secluded street with limited access,” the lieutenant said. “Perhaps that was by design on the part of the suspects. Other than that, we have no motive. Once we identify the victim, we’ll know more.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Efren Gutierrez of the LAPD’s Mission Homicide Unit at 818-838-9948.