Jason Valdez-Perez, 17

Jason Valdez-Perez, 17, was shot once in the head east of 759 E. 109th Street in Watts at about 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6.

An 18-year-old companion who was with him at the time was wounded in the shooting but survived. The suspect, a lone black man or youth, fled north on McKinley. Jason's friend was treated and released.

Jason, six-foot-one with an easy smile, was a Locke High School senior about to graduate. He loved animals, and wanted to be a veterinarian, said friends and family members, gathered to grieve at his home four days after his killing, Jason's pet Chihuahua padding around their feet aimlessly. He was the middle child of three, and had no gang ties, said his uncle Raul Perez. "An innocent face," his uncle said. He was randomly targeted--happened to be standing outside when the attacker struck, detectives said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Dets. Sam Marullo or Nathan Kouri at (213) 485-4341.