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Vanessa Renee Rankins, 21

Vanessa Renee Rankins (2010-03-24)

Vanessa Rankins, a 21-year-old black woman, died Wednesday, March 24, a day after she was shot in the head in the 13000 block of Pinney Street in Pacoima, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Rankins was standing with friends on the sidewalk about 10 p.m. Tuesday when an assailant walked up and fired at the group, said Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner's office.

Rankins was taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills where she died the next day at 3:55 p.m., said Det. Corey Farell of the LAPD's Foothill Division. Three other people were shot, but their wounds were not fatal, Farell said. Two were released, while one remains in the hospital.

Investigators have not made any arrests in connection with the case, however they are looking for two male Latinos. Farell declined to give more information pending the investigation.

Anyone with information about Rankins' death is asked to call Foothill detectives at (818) 834-1115. LAPD officials said that anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477. 

-- Sarah Ardalani

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