Thomas Edward Valdez, 30

Thomas Valdez, a 30-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Friday, July 15, in the 12100 block of Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Officers responded about 10 p.m. to reports of a shooting at the VIP Showgirls Club. When they arrived, they found Valdez with multiple gunshot wounds, according to a Los Angeles Police Department statement.

Detectives believe Valdez was involved in a dispute with another man, who pulled a gun and shot Valdez multiple times. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. No other injuries were reported inside the club, according to police.

The gunman ran from the scene with his girlfriend, an employee of the club, after the shooting, police said, and the couple were later detained by officers in a nearby park.

Forte Ramonta, a 30-year-old Latino from North Hollywood, has been booked on suspicion of murder and is being held in lieu of $1-million bail. His girlfriend, Ana Baez, a 22-year-old Latina, was booked on suspicion of accessory to murder and is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Nine homicides have occurred since 2007 within a mile of the shooting, according to The Times' Homicide Report.

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact LAPD Det. Mark O'Donnell or Det. Steve Castro at (818) 623-4075. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Ruben Vives