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Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding nine suspects involved in the beating and shooting death of a 24-year-old man in South Los Angeles. According to a statement released by the LAPD, Miguel Casteneda was confronted by a Hispanic man in his mid-20's at around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, while walking near Southwest Drive and 5th Avenue. The man allegedly called Castaneda a "snitch," went into a house, then came back out with a group of about nine other young Hispanic men.
The group chased Castaneda down the street, caught up with him and began hitting and kicking him, then finally pulled a gun and shot him several times in the torso, says the statement. LAFD arrived at the scene and took Castaneda to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
None of the suspects have been found, nor has the weapon. Officials think the incident may be gang-related, and are asking anyone with info to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Group Detective B. Durazo or Detective D. Ross at (213) 485-1383 during the week, 1-877-LAPD-24-7 after work or on the weekends, or 1-800-222-TIPS to leave an anonymous message.