Robert James Eugene Ellis, 27

Robert James Eugene Ellis, a 27-year-old black man, was shot and killed Friday, March 25, in the 5500 block of South Vermont Avenue in Vermont Slauson, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Shortly after 2 p.m., Ellis was standing in a strip mall with a group of people when a gunman approached from the north side of the shopping center and shot at the group, said Los Angeles police Det. Chris Barling.

Ellis was struck and taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:56 p.m., according to coroner’s records.

The gunman fled west on West 55th Street, Barling said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5113. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.