Basel Hijaz, 26

Died March 18, 2012

Basel Hijaz, a 26-year-old man, was shot and killed Sunday, March 18, in the 10900 block of Atlantic Avenue in Lynwood, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Hijaz and his father were approached by two men about 3:40 p.m. when they were sitting in a car in the parking lot of a strip mall, according to a statement by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

One of the men walked up to the driver’s side of the car and demanded money from the father at gunpoint, authorities said. The father struggled with the armed man for control of the gun. In the struggle, he was struck several times in the face by the gun, the Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

Hijaz got out of the car and tried to help his father but was shot multiple times in the upper body, police said.

Hijaz was pronounced dead at a hospital. His father was treated for minor injuries.

The suspects were described as 18 to 20 years old. No arrests were made.

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

— Victoria Kim