Julio Ramirez, 21

Died July 29, 2007 at 7:01 a.m.

Julio Ramirez, 21, a Latino young man, was killed in the same double-homicide as Benjamin Velasco, 18. His time of death was listed as 7:01 a.m. Sunday, July 29.

The pair were shot by drive-by gunmen as they were standing outside a family gathering in the 15300 block of Hayter Avenue in Paramount at about 11 p.m. Saturday, July 28, said Sheriff's Det. Todd Anderson. Investigators believe the suspects may be Latino men or youths. They escaped in their car. Both victims were transported to Long Beach Memorial Hospital, where Velasco died at about 2 a.m. Sunday; Ramirez died five hours later. Ramirez had recently gotten out of jail.

Police are seeking help, including anonymous tips, from anyone who saw anything that night. Call Anderson or Det. Gary Sika at (323) 890-5500.

Update: Sheriff's Det. Todd Anderson and Gary Sika have cleared this case.

Three men — Luis Rodriguez, 24, a Latino man; his brother, Daniel Cowie, 19, and a friend, Irvin Heredia, 19, also Latino — were arrested this week and charged with murder in the deaths of Ramirez and Velasco. "Gangs. Gang rivalry," was the motive, Anderson. "One gang is trying to muscle into another's territory, basically."

Another case was also cleared in the course of this one. Rodriguez has been charged in the killing of Salvador Avila, 19, at a fight at a Tam's restaurant in Paramount on June 24. A second suspect was also arrested in connection with that case. More to come.

Detectives seek additional information on these cases. Call (323) 890-5500.