A story for every victim

Louis Villegas, 25

Louis Villegas, a 25-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Tuesday, Sept. 25, near Balboa Boulevard and Parthenia Street in Northridge, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The shooting was reported just after midnight, said Los Angeles police Sgt. Lonnie Tiano.

Officials said four people, including Villegas, were riding in a Lexus and had pulled over to the side of the road when a man approached and began shooting.

The incident was initially reported as a car-to-car shooting. Tiano said that although investigators had not ruled out that scenario, they believe the suspect got in a car after the shooting and sped away.

The victims were taken to area hospitals, where Villegas later died, Tiano said. No other information about the victims or their conditions was available.

A nearby house was also struck by gunfire, homeowner Bilai Wellthy told KTLA. No other injuries were reported.

"I was watching the TV and I was talking on the phone and I heard the gunshots -- bang, bang, bang, bang, bang," Wellthy told the television station. "Five shots."

Detectives were looking into whether the incident was gang-related, Tiano said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) 527-3247. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

--Kate Mather

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