3 Dead, 12 Injured After Shooting at South L.A. Birthday Party

POSTED 7:29 AM, OCTOBER 15, 2016, BY MARIEL TURNER AND NERISSA KNIGHT, UPDATED AT 08:51AM, OCTOBER 15, 2016

Three people were killed and 12 were injured during a shooting at a South Los Angeles birthday party early Saturday morning, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Crowds were gathered to celebrate a birthday at a home that was used as a non-permit makeshift restaurant in the 2800 block of Rimpau Boulevard when shots rang out around 12:28 a.m., police said.

At some point during the night, three people, possibly two men and one woman, left the party and returned with guns, Sgt. Frank Preciado of the LAPD said.

The group opened fire and shots were returned, according to police. Three people were pronounced dead at the scene and 12 were transported to local hospitals in various conditions.

"When officers responded here, my understanding was that there were at least 50 people running from the location of 2800 Rimpau Boulevard," said Preciado. "This a very chaotic situation at this point."

Police found a semi-automatic handgun at the home, located in the West Adams District.

Witnesses told KTLA that people were having a good time and enjoying the party when the violence began.

"It was a birthday party; I don't know what happen," said Dilly, the homeowner of the restaurant that is said to be very popular in the neighborhood. "I went to go hide next door by the trashcan. When I come out, I hear plenty of people get shot."

It is currently unknown what caused the shooting. Criminal Gang Homicide detectives are investigating and gang relation has not been ruled out, Preciado said.

There is one woman in custody who is being treated at a local hospital, where she is being questioned by police, authorities said.

Detectives have not released any further details about the shooters involved.

http://ktla.com/2016/10/15/3-dead-12...irthday-party/