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Hector Valdez, 18

Hector Valdez, an 18-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Tuesday, Feb. 25, near Remick Avenue and Hoyt Street in Pacoima, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Valdez and a friend were walking in a residential neighborhood about 7:45 p.m. when they passed a group of males, said LAPD Det. Anthony Stephenson.

One of the people in the group pulled out a gun and fired shots in the direction of Valdez and his friend, Stephenson said. Valdez ran away and collapsed down the street. A passerby drove Valdez and the uninjured friend to the hospital.

Valdez was pronounced dead at 8 p.m., said Ed Winter, a coroner’s spokesman.

Police are seeking witnesses and following up leads, Stephenson said.

Anyone with information can call LAPD Foothill Division detectives at (818) 834-3115. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

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