Ricardo Daniel Fernandez, 43

Ricardo Daniel Fernandez, a 43-year-old Latino, died Tuesday, Jan, 9, after he was shot in the 5900 block of Malburg Way in the city of Vernon, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records. 

Investigators believe Fernandez was sitting in his pickup truck in the driveway to an industrial park, near a homeless encampment, when someone shot him about 8:40 p.m., said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Joe Mendoza. 

A Vernon police officer heard the gunshots and discovered Fernandez’ truck crashed into a loading dock at the bottom of the driveway, Mendoza said. 

Paramedics took Fernandez to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:19 p.m., according to coroner’s records. The cause of death was listed as multiple gunshot wounds. 

Fernandez lived in El Monte, Mendoza said, but he was known to frequent the area around the encampment. 

“The Vernon Police have made contact with him before [in that area], and have seen him talking to people at the encampment, but it’s not clear why he was there," Mendoza said. 

Investigators believe Fernandez may have been targeted for the shooting, but they don’t know why, he said. They believe the shooter was in a vehicle, Mendoza said, but they don’t have a description of either.

The sheriff’s Homicide Bureau is handling the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.  

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.