Emile Antonio Romain, 53

Emile Romain, a 53-year-old black man, was stabbed to death Wednesday, Dec. 14, in the 1100 block of East 7th Street in downtown, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Romain staggered into the C & C Market about 6:30 p.m. He told the clerk to call 911, then collapsed on the floor. He had been stabbed at least once in the chest and was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital.

Witnesses told detectives they saw the victim attacked and beaten by five men on the sidewalk near 7th and Ceres Streets, according to LAPD Lt. Jim Gavin.

Detectives are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses, and officials stressed that the investigation was in its very early stages with little evidence to go on.

At least 95 homicides have been reported within 2 miles of the stabbing since January 2007, according to coroner’s data collected for The Times’ interactive Homicide Report.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Central Homicide Unit at (213) 972-1254 or give information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

-- Andrew Blankstein