Richard Caceres, 18

Died Oct. 31, 2011

Richard Caceres, an 18-year-old Latino, died Monday, Oct. 31, two days after he was shot in the 1700 block of West 50th Street in Vermont Square, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Caceres and a friend were walking to a Halloween party Oct. 29 about 11:55 p.m. when a blue van pulled up, an unknown person exited and asked the two if they were part of a gang, according to an LAPD news release.

Caceres' friend said no, at which point the person began shooting, striking both men.

Authorities were called and the victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Two days later, Caceres died. Coroner's records show he died from a gunshot wound to the head.

His friend is in stable condition and is expected to survive his injuries, officials said.

The two assailants, the shooter and driver of the van, have been described as Latinos between the ages of 18 to 22.

Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related.

Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the shooter is asked to contact Criminal Gang and Homicide division Dets. Young Mun or Refugio Garza at (213) 485-1383. Tipsters who'd like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.

— Los Angeles Times