Jose Espinoza Mendoza, 27

Jose Mendoza, a 27-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Wednesday, July 25, in the 15000 block of Roxford Street in Sylmar, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Mendoza was found mortally wounded near a home in an apparent drug-related attack, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Witnesses reported seeing a silver Mercedes-Benz at the home and hearing gunshots, and Mendoza staggered outside and collapsed nearby as the vehicle sped away, police said.

The property included several horse stables, where officers found "two bricks of cocaine,"said  Lt. Paul Vernon, commander of the Mission Division detective unit.

"It appears this was either a drug deal gone bad or a drug ripoff," Vernon said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Mission Homicide Unit at (213) 838-9976. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Andrew Blankstein and Robert J. Lopez