Ming Qu, 23

Ming Qu, a 23-year-old Asian male, was fatally shot Wednesday, April 11, in the 2700 block of Raymond Avenue in Adams-Normandie, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

After a night at the University of Southern California library, Qu drove Ying Wu, a 23-year-old Asian woman, to the house where she was renting a room, less than a mile from campus.

Qu double-parked in front of the home early Wednesday morning as they continued talking. A shooter approach Qu's BMW and opened fire, killing both students, police said.

Qu attempted to run for help after he was shot in the head and was found collapsed on a nearby porch, police said. Wu was found slumped over in the passenger seat of the car, shot in the chest.

The students were close friends who spent evenings chatting on the front porch of the house where Wu lived, according to police sources who requested anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

Because it was raining Wednesday, police said, they believe the pair decided to stay in the car, which friends said was a 2003 model that Qu bought for about $10,000.

LAPD Deputy Chief Pat Gannon said Raymond is a quiet residential street, and that the deadly events unfolded with no one around. Neighbors said they heard the gunshots and afterward saw someone in dark clothing running from the scene, Gannon said.

"There was a dark-colored car, possibly an American model, that pulled away right after the shots were fired." Gannon said. "It had been idling down the street."

He said detectives would like to know if the vehicle is connected to the crime.

Sources familiar with the investigation say security cameras so far have not provided any clues to the shooter's identity.

Detectives want anyone who passed through the area around the time of the shooting to contact the Police Department. So far, investigators say they that believe the students were not targeted but may have been the victims of a random crime of opportunity.

Though the area is home to Rollin 20s Crips, crime in the area has dropped dramatically in the last decade.

Anyone with information about the slayings is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) 527-3247. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Richard Winton