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A 21-year-old man was killed in Northridge yesterday when a vehicle pulled up and began opening fire, possibly mistaking the victim for someone else. About one half hour earlier, two groups of black males got into a verbal dispute at the corner of White Oak Avenue and Lassen Street. One group fled when they realized the other group was armed with handguns. Most ran across the street to take cover on a church's grounds. One ran into a nearby liquor store. The other group left without incident in a silver Honda Accord EX.
Shortly after, three black young men walked into the same liquor store. Upon leaving and crossing the street, the group of armed men were back on foot and confronted them. This time, bullets flew, leaving Patrick Shillings dead. The suspects then left in the same silver Honda Accord EX.
Police believe this was a case of mistaken identity. Anyone with information about this crime asked to call Devonshire Homicide Detectives H. Fajardo or J. Sandefur at (818) 832-0537. During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.
