Joshua Otoniel Gudiel, 25

Joshua Gudiel, a 25-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Sunday, Jan. 8, in the 700 block of West 45th Street in Vermont Square, according to police and Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Shortly before 1 a.m., Gudiel and four others drove to the area in a truck, said Los Angeles Police Det. Chris Barling. The driver of the truck got out and went to a nearby residence, and Gudiel got out and walked a few houses down, Barling said.

A dark-colored sedan driving eastbound on West 45th Street approached, and a person inside shot Gudiel, who was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

The vehicle drove away, and police are looking for the suspects.

Gudiel was not a gang member but might have been mistaken for one, Barling said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5113. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.