Emanuel Padilla, 24

Died July 22, 2012

Emanuel Padilla, a 24-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Sunday, July 22, in the 500 block of North Gulf Avenue in Wilmington, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Padilla was in an alley with another man when a car pulled up and opened fire.

Bruce Borihanh, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department, described the shooting as "one gangster pulls up, shoots two other gangsters."

Padilla and the other man were shot several times in the upper body, authorities said. Both men were taken to the hospital, where Padilla later died.

The second victim is in stable condition but has not been able to talk to investigators due to his injuries, Det. Louis Paglialonga said.

The motive remains unclear.

"It's still fresh," Paglialonga said. "We are in the very beginning of the investigation."

Wilmington has a history of gang violence. This latest killing marked the eighth homicide this year. Police believe that all but one were gang-related.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Harbor area homicide Det. Patricia Batts or Det. David Alvarez at (310) 726-7889 or (310) 726-7879. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

— Angel Jennings