Damien Lerma, 31

Damien Lerma, a 31-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Saturday, Dec. 15, in the 3500 block of West 71st Street in Hyde Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Lerma, a homeless man, was shot and killed in what appears to be a drive-by shooting, though the details remain murky, a police detective said.

The shooting took place about 8 p.m., said LAPD Det. Young Mun.

Witnesses heard multiple shots and reported seeing a car driving by the scene, though it’s unclear if the car was involved, Mun said. Also unclear is a motive for the crime.

“All we know is that witnesses say he was standing there by himself,” Mun said.

Lerma was taken to UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Mun said.

Anyone with information about the killing or the identity of the shooter is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) 275-5273. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Amina Khan