Danilo Morales, 24 [Update]

Danilo Morales, a 24-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Monday, Jan. 9, in the 8100 block of Coldwater Canyon Boulevard in Sun Valley, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Morales was gunned down while attempting to help his grandfather, Manuel Flores, who was robbed outside his home about 6:45 p.m.

Flores had just returned home from the store when three men emerged from the shadows, he told The Times. They demanded that he hand over his possessions and jewelry.

As Flores tried to take off a bracelet, he yelled, "They're robbing me!" and he dived to the ground. One of the robbers fired his gun.

Hearing the gunfire, Morales ran from the house and chased after the robbers who had fled in a white SUV. The men opened fire and Morales was struck in the head. He collapsed in the street.

Morales was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Flores, 68, wasn't injured.

Several days later, authorities arrested two men in connection with the shooting.

Rene Ramirez, a 29-year-old Latino from Mission Hills, and Evin Adonis Ortiz, a 22-year-old from Valley Glen, were booked into jail and held without bail.

Police told The Times that Ramirez, whose nickname is "Demon," was featured in a 2005 article in the newspaper on gangsters who had reformed through religion.

In the story, Ramirez, who came to the U.S. illegally from Guatemala with his mother, said he'd pulled away from the gang after being shot in the stomach in a drive-by. The injury required him to wear a colostomy bag.

"My battle is spiritual," he said then. "But I know God will help me."

Law enforcement officials say that both Ramirez and Ortiz had previously been deported.

Anyone with additional information about the killings is asked to contact North Hollywood homicide Dets. Castro or O’Donnell at (818) 623-4075. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.

[Updated Feb. 21: Murder charges filed in good Samaritan’s slaying in Sun Valley]

-- Los Angeles Times