Timothy James Teopaco, 19

Timothy James Teopaco, a 19-year-old Filipino American, was shot and killed Saturday, July 27, in the 11600 block of South Street in Artesia, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Teopaco’s friends were inside a restaurant when a person walked up to one of the men in the group and started an argument, said Det. Brandt House with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

A friend called Teopaco by phone to ask for help, and when Teopaco arrived shortly after 1 a.m., the gunman and others were leaving the parking lot, House said in an email.

As the group was driving away, a person inside the car shot Teopaco. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5 a.m., according to coroner’s records.

Sheriff’s detectives have identified the man suspected of shooting Teopaco as Boren Lay, 19, who is known to frequent the city of Long Beach. A warrant for Lay’s arrest has been issued.

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

-- Nicole Santa Cruz