Aaron James Pritchard, 21

Aaron James Pritchard, a 21-year-old black man, was fatally shot Monday, May 16, as he was standing in the 1600 block of East Gladwick Avenue in Carson, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records. 

Pritchard was talking with a group of friends outside a residence near his home about 7:45 p.m., when a man parked a light-colored, two-door sedan nearby, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Eddie Hernandez. 

The man walked up to the group, who seemed to know him, Hernandez said. 

“That’s what’s kind of strange. It seems like everybody knows who this guy is except us,” Hernandez said. “He walks up, and they greet each other, a real polite exchange of pleasantries, and then the suspect pulls a handgun and starts shooting at the victim.” 

Pritchard fell, Hernandez said, and the gunman continued to shoot at him. Then he got back into the car and drove away. 

By the time deputies arrived, Pritchard’s friends had scattered, Hernandez said, but deputies were able to speak with a few witnesses to piece together what happened. 

Pritchard was pronounced dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds at 7:55 p.m., according to coroner’s records. 

Family members told investigators that Pritchard had been attending college in New Mexico and had returned home for the summer, Hernandez said.

Investigators have little information about the gunman, Hernandez said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.  

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.