Raul Valentin, 17

Raul Valentin, identified by the coroner's office as a 17-year-old white man, died Thursday, Feb. 10, a day after he was shot in the 800 block of West 88th Street in Vermont Vista, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

[Note: Although the coroner's office listed Valentin as white, LAPD officials say he was Latino.]

Valentin was shot in the head Feb. 9 about 3:40 p.m., said LAPD Criminal Gang and Homicide Det. Scott Smith.

An unknown person drove by the victim, exited the car, shot Valentin then drove off, Smith said.

Authorities were called and Valentin was taken to California Hospital Medical Center where he died the next day.

No arrests have been made in connection with the case. The shooter was described as a male driving a light-colored sedan.

Valentin was a documented gang member, Smith said, and the shooting was gang-related.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det. Kerri Potter or Rick Feria at (213) 485-4341. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Sarah Ardalani