Culver Man Killed in Del Rey

Police have identified a man shot and killed in his car as Francisco Ayala-Mejia, 25, from Culver City.

Saturday morning around 12:30 a.m. officers from Pacific Division responded to a call of shots fired in the 4600 block of Berryman Avenue and Braddock Drive in Los Angeles. Officers found the victim who was sitting inside his parked vehicle. Los Angeles City Fire Department responded and paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene.

The murder took place just outside Culver City, one block west of the San Diego Freeway.

Police surmise that the shooter walked up to the car and shot the victim. Reports are that the suspect fled in an older model subcompact. Police are unsure how many suspects were involved.

The LAPD West Bureau Homicide Detectives investigation revealed that Ayala was shot as he pulled away from the curb. His vehicle crashed into several cars that were parked. It appeared he was fleeing his attackers at the time.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Bureau Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the suspect(s) who shot and killed Ayala.

Anyone with information on the murder is urged to call West Bureau Homicide Detectives Carranza and Pierce at (213) 382-9470. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

The Los Angeles City Council is offering $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever shot Ayala-Mejia.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stopper at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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 http://www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.