Gabriel Vargas Jr., 19

Gabriel Vargas Jr., a 19-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Friday, June 12, in the 500 block of Via Altamira in Montebello, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records. 

Montebello police responded to a call of shots fired shortly after noon. When police arrived, they saw Vargas lying in the courtyard between two apartment complexes with multiple gunshot wounds, according to a news release from the Montebello Police Department. 

Just prior to the shooting, witnesses said Vargas was "associating with a small group of acquaintances" when a man walked up to him and fired several times, according to the news release.

Investigators found eight bullet casings at the scene, according to the coroner's records. Vargas was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:08 p.m. with gunshot wounds to the head, wrist, abdomen and leg.

The suspect, described only as a male adult, fled the scene, according to the news release. There is no information about what direction he ran, or whether he left on foot or in a vehicle. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Montebello Police Det. A. Martinez, (323) 887-1313, Ext. 248, or Det. P. Antista, (323) 887-1313, Ext. 249. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 

— Jeanette Marantos