Daniel Duarte, 31

Daniel Duarte, a 31-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Sunday, Jan. 21, near the 110 Freeway between Avenue 52 and Via Marisol in Highland Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Duarte and another man were in a makeshift tent in a homeless encampment near the 110 Freeway along the Arroyo Seco riverbed when two men walked in at 4:40 a.m. and asked, “Where are you from?” said Los Angeles Police Det. Jose Ramirez.

When Duarte and the other man said they weren’t from anywhere, one of the intruders pulled a gun and shot the two homeless men, Ramirez said. 

The other man, whom residents heard screaming, ran from the encampment to get help, Ramirez said. Duarte was declared dead at the scene.

Two men whom police have identified as gang members were arrested on suspicion of murder in the killing, police said.

Andrew Palacios, a 19-year-old Latino, and Jimmy Alfred Perez, a 31-year-old Latino, have each been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

The two also face gun and gang allegations. Palacios and Perez are due back in court July 10, prosecutors said.

The men matched descriptions provided by witnesses, police said. It’s unclear why the two homeless men, who had no gang ties, were targeted.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hollenbeck detectives at (323) 342-8960. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.