Salvador Diaz, 18

Salvador Diaz, an 18-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Wednesday, June 22, in the 1500 block of Louella Avenue in Venice, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

According to police and eyewitnesses, a gunman shot Diaz, Alan Mateo, a 19-year-old Latino and another person shortly after 4 p.m. at Penmar Park.

Diaz and Mateo died shortly after the shooting. The third victim was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition.

The incident erupted in a grassy area near a recreation center and a baseball diamond, an eyewitness said.

A witness who arrived at the park near the time of the shooting told The Times the attacker jumped into a car, perhaps a silver Volkswagen station wagon, where a driver was waiting, and fled.

The shooting prompted officers to lock down the recreation center, where small children were playing, said Lt. Jeff Bert of the Los Angeles Police Department.

The children were later reunited with their parents. Bert said the shooting appeared to be gang-related. Officers found several shell casings in the area.

Six days after the shooting, authorities arrested Michael Mariscal, a reputed gang member, in connection with the killings.

"He is the shooter," said Capt. Jon Peters, commander of the Pacific Division, which patrols the area. "He intended to shoot these individuals.... He is a documented gang member."

Mariscal, a 19-year-old Latino, is being held on no bail at the Men's Central Jail in downtown. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 20 at the LAX Municipal Court.

-- Robert J. Lopez and Ricardo Lopez