Police Release Sketch in Silver Lake Road Rage Shooting

The mother of a shooting victim joins police Friday to ask for the public's help in solving the Aug. 7 shooting

The mother of a pizza delivery driver who was shot and killed in what investigators said might be a road rage case said Friday that there were no words to describe her sadness.

"I do not wish this upon another mother," said Maria Vasquez Ramirez (pictured, right), mother of 20-year-old Juan David Vasquez Loma. "He was a hard worker. He had dreams."

Vasquez worked two jobs to help support family members. After leaving his job at El Chavo Restaurant around 11 p.m., Vasquez delivered pizzas for Garage Pizza until 4 a.m.

Vasquez was driving two co-workers home Aug 7 when he was shot once in the head by another driver. He was hospitalized, but died Aug. 14.

No one has been arrested in the case, but members of the victim's family joined police Friday to discuss the case. Police also released a photo of a car similar to the vehicle used by the shooter and a composite sketch of the gunman.

Vasquez was traveling on Effie Street toward Silver Lake Boulevard when he first encountered the assailant. At Micheltorena, the subject stopped and waited at a four-way stop, and Vasquez passed on the left, according to police.

"We believe that's what angered our suspect," said Det. Jose Carrillo. "There were no words exchanged -- nothing. The victim just continued on his way."

At Berkely and Silver Lake Boulevard, the subject passed Vasquez and began yelling, Carrillo said. Vasquez slowed to allow the driver to pass, but the gunman opened fire at Scott Place (see map, below), Carrillo said.

"Hopefully, when we catch the suspect we'll determine exactly what the motive was for the crime," said Capt. Bill Murphy.

The vehicle was described as a green four-door Honda Civic with tinted windows. The rear lights on the vehicle were circular (similar to image, right), which might distinguish it from other models of the same Honda.

"Most of the lights on this model are square," said Murphy.

Carillo said a male and female were in the vehicle.

Friends and family of Vasquez have set up a fund with Citibank to help cover bereavement expenses. Those who wish to donate can contribute to account # 204204192.

Anyone with information about the shooting can call the LAPD Northeast Homicide Division at 213-847-4261
 

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Correction: In a previous version of this story, Juan David Vasquez Loma was incorrectly identified as 25 years old. His correct age is 20, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

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