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Luis Palomera, 25 [Updated]

Luis Arturo Palomera (2010-05-21)

Luis Palomera, a 25-year-old Latino, was shot to death Friday, May 21, in the 13000 block of Earl Street in Baldwin Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Palomera was in a back yard about 7:50 p.m. when an unknown assailant drove through an alley and shot him, said Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office.

Authorities were called, and Palomera was pronounced dead at the scene, according to coroner's records.

Another Latino was shot, according to a sheriff press release, and he was taken to a hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Detectives have determined the shooting was gang-related.

[Update May 25: Shortly before the attack, Palomera and the man who was wounded had gotten into an altercation at a liquor store with a man authorities believe was involved in the shooting, said Sgt. Barry Hall, who is handling the investigation.

While Palomera went into the store to purchase a beer, Hall said the friend told authorities he stayed in the vehicle and got into a staring contest with a man who was sitting in another car. According to his account, that man then pulled out a gun. Afraid, Palomera's friend got out of the car and ran to Palomera's residence. When Palomera exited the liquor store, the man who allegedly pulled a gun on his friend approached Palomera and hit him over the head with the gun, Hall said.

At that point, Palomera drove his car home where he and his friend stood in the backyard exchanging stories about what occurred at the liquor store. Authorities believe the same assailant drove through the alley and shot at them, Hall said.

Either Palomera or the friend returned fire, Hall said, although it was unclear who shot back.

Investigators are looking for two Latinos, believed to be 18 to 25, in connection with the shooting. The vehicle they were driving was described as a white Dodge Dakota.]

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Sgt. Barry Hall or Rick Biddle at the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500.

-- Sarah Ardalani

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