Kevis Gray, 20

Died Sept. 13, 2009 at 5:32 p.m.

Kevis Gray, a 20-year-old black man, died after he was shot Sunday, Sept. 13, in the 10400 block of Normandie Avenue in unincorporated Los Angeles County, authorities said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Det. Robert Harris said the shooting took place about 4:40 p.m. Witnesses told detectives that Gray was walking to the store when he was approached by a black man in his 20s who asked him:  "Where are you from?"

Witnesses told detectives Gray tried to answer the question, and at first the shooter seemed satisfied with his response. The two men shook hands and then, as Gray turned around to leave, the other man shot him, Harris said.

Coroner's investigators said Gray's autopsy has not been completed, so they could not confirm where or how many times he was shot. He was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m. at a hospital.

Harris said the shooting has all of the hallmarks of a gang killing. It occurred in an area heavily populated by gangs, he said, adding that the question asked of the victim is common before a gang killing.

Gray had no known gang affiliations, and witnesses told detectives he did not participate in gang activity, Harris said.

The shooter is still at large.

Anyone with information about this killing is asked to call sheriff's homicide Det. Harris at (323) 890-5500.

— Anthony Pesce

Map: Location of Kevis Gray's shooting. Credit: Google Maps