Los Angeles

Police Ask for Public's Help to Identify 26-Year-Old's Killer

Police asked for the public's help Wednesday to identify the person who shot and killed 26-year-old Andy Portillo in Gardena, as well as two women seen walking with Portillo right before he was gunned down.

Portillo was shot in the 1900 block of 152nd Street at about 12:48 a.m. on Sept. 25, according to Gardena police Lt. Steve Prendergast. A motive for the attack was unknown.

Officers responded to a shots fired call and found Portillo lying on the sidewalk, Prendergast said. Portillo suffered a gunshot wound to his head.

Los Angeles County fire paramedics treated him at the scene but Portillo was pronounced dead.

Detectives later learned Portillo left his home about 9 p.m. on foot the night he died, but didn't tell anyone where he was going, according to Prendergast.

Portillo then spent some time at Mis Amigos, a neighborhood bar at 15408 S. Western Ave. Portillo was seen shooting pool there and having a few beers with other patrons, Prendergast continued. Portillo was seen leaving the bar around midnight and appeared to be in a good mood, according to witnesses.

Detectives then found video surveillance footage showing Portillo walking west on 150th Street at 12:42 a.m. in the company of two women, Prendergast said. A man was also seen walking behind the trio. He has not yet been identified. That man was followed by a slow-moving, four-door, newer SUV.

The mystery man and the two women are seen moving toward the SUV. But only the man gets in and the two women continue walking with Portillo, with the SUV following close behind.

More footage shows Portillo and the two women walking on the sidewalk in the 15100 block of St. Andrews Place at 12:47 a.m, according to Prendergast.

Suddenly the man who had been walking behind the trio got out of the SUV and started firing at Portillo.

After Portillo was shot, the shooter and the two women then ran to the SUV and got inside. The vehicle then fled the scene, Prendergast said.

Anyone with information on the gunman and/or the two women was asked to call Gardena police Detective Patrick Goodpaster at 310-217-9653. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. All tips can be made anonymously.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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