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William Anthony Treas, 30

William Anthony Treas (2016-01-12)

William Treas, a 30-year-old Latino, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, after he was shot in the 21900 block of South Grace Avenue in Carson, according to Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators. 

Treas was riding his bicycle south on Grace Avenue, a residential neighborhood about a block from his home, when he was approached by two Latinos about 6:55 p.m., according to Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Eddie Hernandez. 

The two men began shooting at Treas, who reportedly returned fire with his own handgun, Hernandez said. 

Treas suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, Hernandez said. No other injuries were reported, he said, but some vehicles in the area were damaged by bullets. 

The two suspects, described as being about 17 to 20 years old, ran south on Grace Avenue and then east through multiple residences, Hernandez said. 

Treas was a member of a Carson gang, Hernandez said, and investigators believe the shooting was gang-related, possibly in retaliation for some gang-related graffiti.

Detectives from the sheriff's gang unit are investigating whether Treas was responsible for graffiti put up near the shooting scene shortly before he was killed.

The fresh graffiti crossed out tags from another gang, and put up tags for the gang with which Treas was affiliated, Hernandez said. 

Investigators released a photo of Treas on Jan. 21 and asked the public for help in identifying the suspects in the shooting. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's 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.

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