Simone WilsonTwo teens were shot dead while walking along a Harbor City sidewalk early Sunday evening.
The L.A. County Coroner's Office has identified the victims as Jorge Rodriguez and David Escobar, both 16 years old.
Police tell City News Service that Rodriguez and Escobar took off running…
… after being hit by gunfire from a dark SUV that had pulled up beside them. When “someone inside fired several rounds from a handgun,” says LAPD spokeswoman Officer Sara Faden, “both victims were struck and both ran.”
The tragic double shooting, right at the tail end of Thanksgiving weekend, took place at Senator Avenue and 254th Street. (Intersection pictured below.)
Police tell the LA Weekly that they've “not yet determined” whether the crime was gang-related. Friends and family of Jorge “Jorgie” Rodriguez, Jr. and David “DJ” Escobar have been sharing their shock and grief on Twitter through the night and morning:
“This wasnt supposto happen like this… Not to Dj,” wrote another young woman on the wall of Tony Escobar, who's apparently related to David. (Both victims are listed as Harbor City residents on Facebook.)
Updates to come as the investigation continues. Harbor Station homicide detectives Fernando Rivas and Boris Oliva are leading the case — anyone with more information can reach them at (310) 726-7881.
Did you know Jorge or David, or happen to witness the drive-by shooting last night? Please share below.
[@simone_electra/swilson@laweekly.com]
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