HAWTHORNE — Two men were shot — one fatally — after a rift during a basketball game in Hawthorne on Sunday.
The shooting was reported around 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the 2000 block of 120th Street, just south of the Century (105) Freeway, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The victims, described as men in their mid-30s, were taken to a hospital, where one was pronounced dead. The second victim’s condition was not immediately known, according to the LASD.
Investigators determined that a disagreement ensued between players during an organized basketball game. One group left and returned a short time later, exiting a vehicle and firing upon the other group, according to the sheriff’s department. A third group of individuals began running away, through the park, but the assailants re-entered their vehicle and drove ahead, to cut them off.
The suspects exited their vehicle and a second shooting occurred near 120th and Daleside Avenue. No one was injured in that round of gunfire. The suspects then fled the location. Their vehicle was described as being white.
Homicide detectives from the LASD were assisting the Hawthorne Police Department with the investigation. Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call the department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or http://lacrimestoppers.org