James Burton, a 27-year-old black man, was shot and killed Monday, Sept. 7, in the 200 block of West Palm Street in Compton, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Burton was riding his bicycle on the street about 7:27 p.m. when he was approached by at least two suspects who opened fire, striking him and a 25-year-old Latina who happened to be standing nearby, said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. Victor Lewandowski.
The shooting occurred next to the Compton Fire Department, Station One. Both Burton and the woman were taken to a nearby hospital. Burton was pronounced dead with a gunshot wound to the torso, according to coroner's records. The woman survived.
Lewandowski said the woman was an innocent bystander who did not know Burton.
Investigators don't have any suspect information, he said, and they don't know if the shooting was gang-related, but they believe the shooters did deliberately target Burton.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.