2 teens identified in fatal shooting at party near CSUN
Police searching for gunman who killed 2 at party near CSUN
Two people were killed when someone opened fire during a large party at a strip mall near Cal State Northridge.
LOS ANGELES - The search continues for at least one suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of two teens during a large party at a Northridge strip mall Friday night.
What we know:
The shooting happened around 11 p.m. on Oct. 2 in the 18000 block of Nordhoff Street, near Reseda Boulevard, close to California State University, Northridge.
Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department initially responded to a radio call regarding a "loud party" on the second floor of a shopping complex housing businesses including Ciel Nail Spa and the Artist Lounge.
At the scene, officers observed between 100 and 200 people gathered for what was described as a music launch party. As officers contacted the event organizer to shut the party down, several gunshots were fired.
Upon searching the venue, police discovered two victims suffering from fatal gunshot wounds; both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Video from the scene captured police evacuating crowd members and detaining several teens for questioning.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office and family members identified the victims as 19-year-old Kimberly Pastor and 18-year-old Jaydin Lewis.
(L-R) Kimberly Lewis and Jaydin Lewis / GoFundMe
Pastor, who was pronounced dead on a walkway, was a mother to a two-year-old boy and was considering entering college or the military to build a better life for her son, her family shared in a GoFundMe created to help with funeral expenses.
Lewis was remembered by relatives at a weekend candlelight vigil as a beloved twin brother, son, and grandson who aspired to become a marine biologist.
What we don't know:
Police have not disclosed a clear motive for the attack or determined whether the initial disturbance started inside one of the businesses or in the common areas of the complex.
Authorities have also not released a detailed physical description of the shooter, and it remains unconfirmed whether investigators are seeking one or possibly two gunmen in connection with the attack.
What's next:
Detectives from the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division are actively searching for suspects involved in the shooting.
Investigators will continue gathering physical evidence, reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses, and interviewing attendees to establish the exact timeline of events.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division at 818-374-9550. During non-business hours or weekends, calls can be directed to 310-726-7700 or 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or via lacrimestoppers.org.
The Source: This report is based on information provided by the Los Angeles Police Department. City News Service contributed.