$75,000 Reward Offered for Year-Old Murder

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles City Council has authorized a $75,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of persons responsible for a brutal murder committed last year.

On September 28, 2005, around 9:30 p.m., 23-year-old Andy Abarca was playing basketball with friends at Lemon Grove Park, 4949 Lemon Grove Avenue, in Hollywood. Two unknown Hispanic gang members approached the group. Without provocation, one of the gang members drew a handgun and fired into the group. Abarca was hit and died instantly. His friends were also hit and injured.

Abarca was a loan officer for a local mortgage company and had no known ties to gangs. His passion was playing basketball at the park in the evening after work.

The suspects are described only as two Hispanic men.   

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hollywood Homicide Unit at 213-972-2910. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).