LAPD seeks leads in burger stand killing

Los Angeles police released a surveillance video Wednesday to help generate leads in the case of a 20-year-old Los Angeles man who was gunned down while making an order at a burger stand.

Demetrius Merriwether, a black man, was shot and killed at Jim's Burgers in Historic South-Central about 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 6, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

In the video, an unknown assailant walks up behind Merriwether and shoots him at point-blank range. Meriweather falls to the floor and the man flees out of the restaurant.

Merriwether was pronounced dead at the scene, LAPD spokeswoman April Harding said.

The shooter is described as a black male, 20 to 30 years old and about 6 feet tall. He was last seen leaving the scene in a silver or gray Dodge Charger with chrome rims.

The motive for the shooting remains unknown.

Anyone with information about the identity of the shooter or the circumstances leading up to Merriwether’s death is asked to contact LAPD Newton Det. Tommy Thompson at (323) 846-6556. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Sarah Ardalani