A story for every victim

Katherine Urquilla Galan, 29

Katherine Urquilla Galan, a 29-year-old Latina, was shot and killed Tuesday, Dec. 18, in the 200 block of North Bonnie Brae Street in Westlake, according to Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner’s records.

About 9:15 a.m., Galan was walking to her car when she was shot by her ex-boyfriend, said Los Angeles Police Det. John Melendez.

The man then turned the gun on himself, police said. It appeared that the man was waiting for Galan, Melendez said.

Galan broke up with the man about two months before she was killed, police said.

Galan was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 10:09 a.m., according to coroner’s records.

The man, identified by the coroner’s office as Jose Torres Chabaj, a 31-year-old Latino, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said he was also armed with a knife.

Anyone with information is asked to call Melendez at (213) 484-3639. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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

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