Juvenile Shot by Gang Members Dies in Hospital

Los Angeles:  A 15-year-old boy, shot by gang members Thursday evening, died after spending two days on life support.

On March 8, 2007, at approximately 8:25 p.m., Danny Saavedra, of Los Angeles, was playing basketball in the 500 block of West 82nd Street. As a vehicle with multiple Hispanic gang members drove by, its occupants shouted a gang affiliation and shot Saavedra in the head.

The victim was rushed by paramedics to a local hospital and placed on life support.  He died on Saturday, March 10th.

Within 15 minutes of the shooting, Southwest Area Officers saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspects' car.  After a short vehicle and foot pursuit, two suspects were taken into custody.

Both of the subjects arrested were active juvenile gang members.  Two gangs have a longstanding feud in the area where the shooting occurred.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detective Paula Chavez, or Officer Will Beal, at 213-485-1385.  On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).