Julio Cesar Betanco Jr., 20

Julio Cesar Betanco Jr., a 20-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the 8900 block of Helms Place in Mid-City, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Shortly after 9 a.m., Betanco was involved in a shootout with two other people in a residence, and they all ran away, said Los Angeles Police Lt. John Radtke.

The three victims were found within blocks of each other. All were taken to hospitals. Betanco was pronounced dead at 11:10 a.m., according to coroner’s records. The other two survived with critical injuries.  

Police called off a search for the shooters after about 90 minutes and lifted a lockdown at nearby Hamilton High School.

But shortly after, police in bulletproof vests and helmets began searching a home across the street, in the 8900 block of Kramerwood Place. Three people, two women and one man, were detained about 12:40 p.m. They were not considered suspects but were questioned and released.

Radtke said a blood trail led to the house, and officers performed a "protective sweep" of the home but did not find any weapons.

Police planned to search the home again for weapons once a warrant was obtained.

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD West Bureau Homicide at (213) 382-9470. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz, Tre'vell Anderson and Samantha Masunaga