2nd UPDATE: West Valinda man found shot to death in own neighborhood

WEST VALINDA — A man was found shot to death early Friday in his own neighborhood, several hours after nearby residents reported hearing gunshots, authorities said.
Officials withheld the name of the victim Friday pending confirmation that his family had been notified, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter said.
He was described by sheriff’s and coroner’s officials as being in his 50s or 60s.
He was believed to live on the street where the shooting took place, though not at the home where his body was found, Sgt. Luis Nunez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau said.
The body was discovered about 7:35 a.m. on Flynn Street, just west of Puente Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Arthur Scott said.
A motive in the killing was not immediately clear, Nunez said.
“We’re keeping all out options open,” he added.
Deputies had received reports of gunshots heard in the area just before 4 a.m., but found no shooting victims, officials said.
But more than three hours later, someone at the home called deputies after finding the body on the side yard of the home, Nunez said.
It appeared the man was shot in the front yard of the home when he was shot, and ran through the side of the yard of the home, where he fell and succumbed to his injuries, Nunez said.
Michael Hazlett, 20, said he was asleep in his bedroom in the early morning hours when he heard what sounded like gunshots: “Five in a row.”
“It sounded right outside my window,” he said, but added that he heard no argument, yelling or vehicle following the shooting.
“All I heard was gunshots and the rain after,” Hazlett said.
The home where the body was found often sees many people coming and going, with people staying for only a brief time, according to Hazlett and Nunez.
Nunez declined to discuss any possible suspect description or say whether the shooter was believed to be on foot or in a vehicle, citing the ongoing investigation.
Hazlett said he’s seen the man he believed to be the shooting victim visit the home several times.
Anyone with information was asked to contact Lt. Dave Dolson at the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

PHOTO: Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda

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