Ramon Ortega-Garcia, 28 [Update]

Ramon Ortega-Garcia, a 28-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Sunday, Dec. 18, in the 800 block of West 84th Street in Vermont Knolls, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Two men opened fire outside a party about 2:25 a.m., hitting three people including Ortega-Garcia, said Sgt. David Craig at the LAPD's 77th Street Division.

Ortega-Garcia was pronounced dead at a hospital. The other two victims were in stable condition, Craig said. A fourth victim, who suffered a fractured skull while running from the shooters, was in intensive care.

Officials believe the shooting was gang-related.

[Updated Dec. 28: One suspect is in custody, and investigators are pursuing leads on the second suspect, described as an 18 to 20-year-old Latino, said LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide Det. C. Valento, who is handling the case.

Ortega-Garcia was not a documented gang-member, Valento said, but witness statements indicate that the two suspects may have gang affiliations.

“The dispute happened by a nightclub on 92ndand Vermont,” he said, “and the victims were followed home by the suspects.” Ortega-Garcia was a cousin to two of the victims who survived the shooting.

A family friend of Ortega-Garcia contacted The Times and said the victim had just flown in from Colorado. He had been working there for the last four months and was spending time with his wife and children.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, a stepdaughter and family members in Honduras.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Valento at (213) 485-1385. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.]

-- Rosanna Xia