Darlene Robles , 17 [Updated]

Darlene Robles, a 17-year-old Latina, was shot and killed Tuesday, April 6, in the 13300 block of Moorpark Street in Sherman Oaks, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Investigators from the LAPD's Van Nuys Division said an unidentified male and female drove Robles in a private vehicle to Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Panorama City about 5 a.m. After they dropped her off, they left the facility, officials said, and Robles died from a gunshot wound a short time later.

Detectives still do not know the identities of the two who fled the hospital, but they believe the two have information about the circumstances leading up to Robles' death.

Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner's office, said in the preliminary coroner's report that Robles was described as having been shot while trying to break into a vehicle. Det. Robert Bub said there are several theories as to how Robles got shot, and investigators are unable to confirm that information.

The coroner’s office initially listed Robles' death as a homicide. Officials have since deferred a final determination in the case pending additional tests that will not be available for another six to eight weeks.

[Updated Feb. 28, 2011: Coroner's officials said Robles' death has been ruled a homicide. She died from a gunshot wound to the chest.]

-- Sarah Ardalani