Brian Keith Brown, 31

Brian Brown, a 31-year-old black man, was killed Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the 4000 block of Nicolet Street in Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Brown was fatally shot and another man wounded shortly after 8:30 p.m. as they drove in an alley. The shooting was believed to be gang-related, police said.

According to coroner's records, Brown was shot several times in the face and back.

So far in 2012, there have been 20 homicides in the city of Los Angeles, compared with 11 in the same period last year, said Det. Sal LaBarbera of the Los Angeles Police Department. He noted that 12 of the homicides have been in South Los Angeles.

"It is not unusual to see a spike at the start of the year. It is usually not right away," said LAPD Deputy Chief Pat Gannon. "Homicides are hot and cold."

Anyone with information about the death of Brian Brown or the identity of the shooter is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) 527-3247. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Richard Winton