A man who was shot to death in a South Los Angeles alley was identified by authorities Monday.
The shooting was reported at 9:20 p.m. Saturday in the 8000 block of South Hooper Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Juan Marquez, 41, and another man tried to stop several suspects from stealing their parked vehicle, according to the county Medical Examiner’s office and sheriff’s officials. The second victim was shot in the leg and taken to a hospital.
The victims were alerted by their vehicle alarm and saw three suspects attempting to steal it, sheriff’s officials said.
“When they confronted the suspects, a fourth suspect, standing near the south entrance of the alley, produced a firearm and opened fire on the victims,” according to the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.
One of the victims, armed with a handgun, returned fire in what appeared to be self-defense, sheriff’s officials said. Marquez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspects fled in a newer-model, red or burgundy four-door coupe headed westbound on 81st Street, according to authorities.
Anyone with information was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tipsters may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.