Dispute between brothers allegedly ends with assault by car and deadly shooting

Richard Wayne Van Heyningen, a 47-year-old white man, was shot and killed Tuesday, March 31 near Hardwick Street and Fanwood Avenue in Lakewood, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

The victim was riding his bicycle on Hardwick Street when a pickup truck driven by his brother came up behind him and ran into his bicycle, causing him to fall into the street, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. 

After he fell, witnesses told investigators the victim walked up to the driver's side of the truck and started arguing with the driver, Brandon Van Heyningen, 44, of Lakewood.

The driver then got out and allegedly shot his older brother with a handgun.

Richard Van Heyningen was pronounced dead at 9:57 a.m. at the scene, according to the coroner’s office.

Brandon Van Heyningen waited for deputies to arrive and was arrested that morning, said Sgt. John O'Brien of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau. He was charged with murder April 2, with the special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, which caused great bodily injury and death.

The shooting evolved from an ongoing family dispute, said sheriff's Sgt. Domenick Recchia.

The two men had been talking at Brandon Van Heyningen's home earlier that morning and continued their argument as the victim rode away.

If convicted, Brandon Van Heyningen faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison.

-- Jeanette Marantos