Jose Mercado, 29 [Updated]

Died Dec. 13, 2010

Jose Mercado, a 29-year-old Latino, died Monday, Dec. 13, a day after he was shot in the 1100 block of Alton Street in Wilmington, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner's office, said residents heard gunshots Dec. 12 about 10:15 a.m. and called 911.

When authorities arrived, they found Mercado on the street with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to the hospital, where he died the next day at 6:40 a.m.

The shooting was possibly gang-related, Winter said.

The Times has contacted investigators to obtain more information about the case and will post an update as soon as possible.

[Updated at 10 a.m. Dec. 27: LAPD officials said they have not identified a suspect and are continuing to pursue leads in the case.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Det. Dan Burzmato at (310) 726-7880. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.]

— Sarah Ardalani