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Rafael Flores Vaca, 43

Rafael Vaca, a 43-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Saturday, Sept. 10, in the 7600 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Sun Valley, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

The shooting occurred about 1 a.m., a Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman said. Police responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. When they arrived at an apartment, officers found Vaca, who had been shot multiple times. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Caitan Arrequin, 25, was arrested Saturday evening on suspicion of killing Vaca, Officer Karen Rayner said.

Officers detained Arrequin immediately after the shooting as he left the scene, Rayner said. He was arrested later in the day after police searched his apartment and found evidence that they said pointed to him as a suspect, Rayner said. Arrequin is  being held in lieu of $1-million bail.

Officers are still investigating the reason for the shooting, but they said it may be gang-related.

Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to call Foothill Division Homicide Dets. Mario Santana or Adrienne Hamilton at (818) 834-3115. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Anna Gorman

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