Ruben Edward Gomez, 20

Ruben Edward Gomez, a 20-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Monday, July 4, in the 13000 block of Elmcroft Avenue in Norwalk, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records. 

Gomez was standing with four friends in the street outside one of their homes about 11:29 p.m., when a dark-colored SUV drove up, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Bill Cotter. 

Someone shouted something from the SUV, Cotter said, and then two people inside the vehicle opened fire. 

Gomez was shot and pronounced dead at the scene, according to coroner’s records. He lived within walking distance of where he died. 

Two of Gomez’s friends were also hit by gunfire, one in the arm and the other in the leg, Cotter said. They were taken to nearby hospitals and are expected to survive.

Investigators believe Gomez was the target, “based on the words that came out of the car before the shooting,” Cotter said. He said he couldn't specify what was said because it might harm the investigation. 

The shooters used guns of different calibers, Cotter said, and investigators believe there was a third person in the SUV who was driving, but the witnesses could not provide a description of the shooters. 

Anyone with information should call the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.  

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.