SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA — LAPD Devonshire Area Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information on the whereabouts of a man who murdered 25-year-old Louis Villegas in Northridge.
On September 25, 2012, around 12:10 a.m., LAPD Devonshire Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the area of Parthenia Street and Balboa Boulevard. When the officers arrived, they saw four people suffering from gunshot wounds inside of a car. Los Angeles Fire Department rescue personnel responded and transported the victims to a local hospital. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the others were treated for their injuries and later released.
Detectives believe Villegas was sitting in a car with three other people, when a man approached the car, pulled out a hand gun and began shooting into the car. Villegas was struck in the upper torso, and the other occupants in the car were also shot. The suspect then left the scene.
After a thorough investigation, Devonshire Homicide Detectives have identified the shooter
as Oscar Pantoja. Pantoja is described as a 22-year-old male Hispanic. He stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 165 lbs. He is considered to be armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Devonshire Homicide Detectives Martin or Diaz at 818-832-0609. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”