Ernesto Castillo, 38 [Updated]

Ernesto Castillo, a 38-year-old Latino, died Monday, May 9, 15 years after he was shot in the 300 block of West 43rd Street in Historic South-Central, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said Castillo passed away at his home. He may have died as a result of the gunshot wound he sustained 15 years ago, Winter said.

However, he said, the cause of death was not yet clear and has been deferred pending additional tests. Results will be available in a minimum of six to eight weeks.

[Update Jan. 12, 2012: According to coroner's records, it was determined that Castillo's death was an accident. He died from hyper-trophic heart disease, in conjunction with a drug overdose.]

-- Los Angeles Times