Hernan Cardona, 60

Died April 18, 2008 at 10:08 p.m.

Hernan Cardona, a 60-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed outside of an auto parts store about 10 p.m. Friday, April 18. Police said Cardona worked as a security guard at the Auto Zone at 1905 S. Western Ave. and exchanged gunfire with two black men wearing dark hooded sweatshirts.

Then, according to Cardona's son, Wilfredo Cardona, 34, his father attempted to help a wounded bystander. As he was checking on the man, the two gunmen shot Hernan Cardona three times from behind. He was struck in the head at least once, his son said. The motive for the shooting is still unknown, police said.

Hernan's sister Miriam Cardona, 39, said her brother was from El Salvador. He was a father of seven and grandfather of five, she said. According to relatives, Hernan Cardona liked to stay fit by lifting weights. He enjoyed the outdoors and was fond of beef jerky and dry fish. His sister said they had planned on returning to El Salvador in November.

Wilfredo Cardona said he last saw his dad Monday when they had lunch together. "I lost my dad and best friend," he said. "He was valuable to me." 

Anyone with information about is asked to call Wilshire Homicide Dets. Kurt Wong or Javier Hernandez at (213) 473-0446.