Suspect shot victim before fire at Valley Glen apartment, police say

crime tape
Photo credit Getty Images

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A 24-year-old man was fatally shot early today inside a Valley Glen apartment that was then set on fire, with firefighters discovering the body once the flames were doused.

Live On-Air
Ask Your Smart Speaker to Play K N X News
KNX News 97.1 FM
Listen Now
Now Playing
Now Playing

Fire crews were called just before 1 a.m. to 13833 W. Oxnard St. west of Woodman Avenue, where they found heavy flames coming from a first-floor unit of a 23,523-square-foot, 24-unit, two-story apartment building, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.

It took 28 firefighters 22 minutes to extinguish the flames, and during a search of the building they discovered the man's body, said Humphrey.

Los Angeles Police Department Detective Steve Castro told Fox11 neighbors heard several shots fired at the location and at least one masked suspect was seen at the apartment where the victim was found.
The suspect was also seen firing several shots toward the unit before running from the scene, he said.

"It's too soon to tell but there is a good possibility that (the victim) was targeted," Castro said.

Castro said police believe the fire was started to cover up the shooting.

According to reports from the scene, the victim's brother was also inside the apartment and jumped to safety. He later called police from a nearby 7-Eleven

The bodies of two dogs were also recovered from the apartment.

Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images