El Monte shooting probe turns into homicide investigation

EL MONTE -- The investigation into the shooting of two men in El Monte was turned over to homicide detectives Sunday after one of the victims' conditions was downgraded to "death imminent" at a trauma center, authorities said.
Two El Monte men, ages 18 and 20, were wounded in the car-to-car shooting, which took place about 3 a.m. Saturday near Sastre Avenue and Rio Hondo Parkway, El Monte police Detective Ralph Batres said. They were shot in the neck and chest.
Both men were initially hospitalized in critical condition, but one of them was considered "death imminent," Sunday, authorities said.
Police declined to say which victim was the one listed as death imminent, deferring all comments to the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau.
Sheriff's officials provided no further information about the crime.
The wounded man were passengers in a car driven by a third 18-year-old El Monte man when attackers opened fire, police said. The suspects were believed to be in a white van and a second unknown vehicle. A motive in the shooting was unclear.
The driver, who brought the wounded men to the hospital, was initially arrested during the investigation, but was released Saturday evening, according to sheriff's booking records.
Police were responding to a call reporting shots fired when Greater El Monte Community Hospital notified them that two gunshot wound victims had arrived in the emergency room, Batres said.
The victims were then flown by helicopter to area trauma centers for further treatment, authorities added.