Police say a female driver hit the man, and the case was initially called a hit and run. But there might be other factors at play. Toni Guinyard reports for Today in LA on Thursday, July 28, 2022.
Homicide investigators are attempting to determine what unfolded Thursday morning on a South Los Angeles street where a man in his late 20s or 30s was found dead.
The pre-dawn investigation in South Park took several turns throughout the morning, but authorities said they believe the man might have been shot before he was struck by at least once vehicle.
A woman identified herself to police early Thursday as a driver who struck the man found dead at Vernon and Towne avenues. Police confirmed the woman remained at the scene after circling back to check on the man.
Authorities later said they believe the man was initially struck by another driver in a black truck before the woman arrived at the scene. That driver left the scene, police said.
Get top local stories in Southern California delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC LA's News Headlines newsletter.
Another layer was added to the investigation when the coroner's office responded to remove the body, but noticed what appeared to be a gunshot wound.
Investigators are attempting to determine whether the man died due to a hit-and-run crash or shooting.
An airsoft gun was found near the body, police said. It was not immediately clear how the replica gun, which fires non-metallic projectiles, is connected to the series of events in the South Los Angeles neighborhood.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
The body remained at the scene. No arrests were reported Thursday morning.
