Cesar Alvarado Lemus, 22

Cesar Alvarado Lemus, a 22-year-old Latino, died Monday, Oct. 31, after he was shot at the corner of Gerhart Avenue and Repetto Avenue in East Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records. 

Lemus was walking in the residential neighborhood with two other men about 7:30 p.m., in an area where many other people were out on the street because of Halloween, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Det. Theo Baljet. 

As the men were walking south on Gerhart, a small, gray compact vehicle drove up behind them and someone inside began shooting, Baljet said. 

Lemus was struck by gunfire and ran about two blocks, to the 500 block of Williamson Street, where he collapsed, Baljet said. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:28 p.m., according to coroner’s records. 

His two companions ran away and have not been found, Baljet said. However, investigators don’t think those men were struck by gunfire because the only blood trail led to Lemus, he said. 

The gray vehicle was last seen heading south on Gerhart, Baljet said. 

Lemus lived in East Los Angeles, staying with various family members, Baljet said.

Investigators don’t have a description of the gunman or a motive for the shooting, Bajlet said. Lemus had gang-style tattoos, he said, but investigators don't recognize them so they don't now if Lemus was involved in a gang.  

“There was no exchange of words, the car just drove up and began shooting,” Baljet said. “We don’t have a lot of witnesses, which is surprising because it was Halloween and people were out all over the place, but we’re hoping someone in the neighborhood saw the vehicle and will call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Baljet or Sgt. Troy Ewing at 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.