Cesar Javier Gonzalez, 25

Cesar Gonzalez, identified by the coroner's office as a 25-year-old white man, was fatally shot Thursday, Jan. 12, near Santa Monica Boulevard and Edgemont Street in East Hollywood, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Gonzalez, who lived in Los Angeles, and his girlfriend were approached by two men about 1:15 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department said.

One man pushed the woman to the ground, police said, and the other drew a small handgun and opened fire. Gonzalez was struck in the chest as the attackers ran away.

Gonzalez was taken to a hospital, where he died a short time later.

Since January 2007, at least 74 homicides have been reported within two miles of Thursday's shooting scene, according to a Times Homicide Report database.

Anyone with information regarding Gonzalez's slaying is asked to call Det. Carrillo or Det. Governo at (323) 344-5744. Anonymous tips can be left at (800) 222-8477

-- Robert J. Lopez