(Sept. 23, 2003, updated 11:15 p.m. from initial post 3:40 p.m.) -- A man walking toward a drug store at midday in a busy ELB shopping plaza on the northeast corner of Wardlow Rd. @ Norwalk Blvd. was shot and killed on Sept. 23.
LBPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Paul LeBaron says the victim, Vadilal Patel, 58 of Buena Park, appears to have been on a walkway to the drug store at roughly 12:15 p.m. when two male Hispanics approached him, one pulled a gun and shot him in the upper body. Both suspects fled the area after shooting the victim. Mr. Patel was pronounced dead at the scene.
LBPD investigators recovered a vehicle near the scene of the crime. The vehicle matches the description of a vehicle used by the suspects in fleeing the area. Investigators believe robbery was a possible motive leading to the victim's murder.
The crime took place just across Norwalk Blvd. from the eastern edge of El Dorado Park Estates.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call LBPD Homicide Detectives Richard Conant or Robert Erickson at (562) 570-7244.