Los Angeles: On March 23, 2010, at around 10:00 p.m.,
officers working Foothill Patrol and the Gang Enforcement Detail
responded to a radio call of an “ADW shooting in progress” in the area
of Pala Avenue and Pinney Street in Pacoima.
When the officers and Paramedics from the Los Angeles City Fire
Department arrived, they met four victims suffering gunshot wounds. The
paramedics transported the victims to local hospitals where they were
treated for their injuries. On the night of the shooting, one victim
was listed in stable condition, two were listed in critical condition
and on Wednesday, March 24, at around 3:55p.m., Vanessa Rankins, a
21year-old female who lived in Pacoima, died as a result of her
injuries.
To date, the investigating detectives have determined that an unknown
number of male Hispanic suspects approached a group of people in the
13000 block of Pinney Ave. The unknown suspect(s) shot multiple rounds
in the direction of the victims, striking them. The motive for the
shooting is unknown and the weapon is still outstanding. It is also
unknown if the shooting is gang related.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Foothill Area
Detectives Jones and Farell at 818-834-3115. During non-business hours
or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone
wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to
phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All
text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also
go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.