The body of a security guard who suffered multiple gunshot wounds was found Monday morning between cars in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the seaside community of Marina del Rey, the first homicide in the upscale town since 2007.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies initially responded to a report of shots fired in the 4200 block of Via Marina Court. The victim was found on the ground between two cars in the parking lot of the Shores apartments (map).
The victim was identified as Patrick Odoikyene, 47, of South Los Angeles, according to the LASD.
Sheriff's deputies said they believe Odoikyene was targeted and that the shooting was not random.
Yellow crime scene tape surrounded the building's front entrance Monday as the shooting death investigation continued. A resident described the complex as upscale with good security.
Residents said Odoikyene had moved to South LA from Ghana. They described the victim as well-liked around the complex.
"He was so jovial and friendly," said resident Lynn Reynolds of Odoikyene (pictured, right). "He couldn't do enough for you. Just a nice big guy, lovable guy."
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies were speaking with another security guard early Monday. The female guard's mother, who arrived at the complex, told NBC4 her daughter had been dating the victim. NBC4 also spoke to a woman who said she was the victim's wife, but she said she was not ready to speak on-camera about his death.
"His role, to my knowledge, is to patrol the premises and create a secure environment for the residents," said sheriff's Lt. Dave Dolson, adding that the victim was not armed. "We have a lot of follow-up to do. There is at least one person who, potentially, saw the suspect."
A resident reported hearing an argument before three gunshots early Monday.
Authorities are attempting to determine whether surveillance cameras captured anything that might be of use to investigators.
No arrests had been made as of Monday night, and officials said an adult black male wearing dark clothing and a dark hooded sweatshirt was scene running from the scene.
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