Victor Hernandez, 22

Died June 19, 2008 at 7:20 p.m.

Victor Hernandez, 22, a young Latino, was shot in the head at 201 F Street in Wilmington about 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, June 18. Hernandez was taken to UCLA-Harbor Hospital, where he was pronounced brain dead on Thursday, June 19.

Hernandez was visiting his 16-year-old cousin when they got into an argument over each other's gang, according to Det. David Cortez of LAPD's Harbor Division. Cortez said the 16-year-old pulled out a gun. which he had found in a trash can a few days earlier. The teen pointed the gun at Hernandez to scare him, but accidentally pulled the trigger and shot Hernandez in the head, Cortez said. The teen was arrested on suspicion of murder. His name was not released because of his age.  Cortez said both Hernandez and his cousin were documented gang members.

The family told Cortez that the two boys had a close relationship. "It's a tragedy for both families," Cortez said.