Herman Johnson, 74

Herman Johnson, a 74-year-old black man, was found dead Sunday, Oct. 6, in the 3700 block of South Western Avenue in Exposition Park, according to L.A. County coroner’s records.

Johnson was apparently shot while on his daily walk and was discovered by a passerby on the sidewalk at 6:20 a.m., said LAPD Det. Supervisor Sal LaBarbera.

Initially, paramedics thought Johnson had died of natural causes, but when the coroner arrived, it was discovered that he had been shot in the head, LaBarbera said.

Johnson, a retired city employee, was pronounced dead at 7 a.m. at the scene, according to coroner’s records.

Anyone with information can call the LAPD’s Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (213) 485-4341. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz