Investigators had released few details about the overnight killing, including no suspect description, motive or account of what preceded the gunfire.
LOS ANGELES — Detectives were working Tuesday to identify a man killed in an overnight Van Nuys shooting and determine what led to the attack, while police continued searching for a shooter whose description had not been released.
The investigation began after a person walking a dog found the wounded man near Murrieta and Hazeltine avenues. Los Angeles police officers were called to the area at about 2:10 a.m. Monday following a report of an assault with a deadly weapon.
The man, believed to be in his 30s, had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, authorities said. His name was not immediately made public.
The limited information released during the first day of the investigation left several central questions unanswered. Police had not said when the shooting occurred, whether the victim was attacked where he was found or whether investigators had established his movements before his death.
Authorities also had not announced a possible motive. There was no public information indicating whether the shooting followed an argument, involved people who knew each other or began under other circumstances.
Investigators did not release a physical description of the shooter or identify any clothing, vehicle or direction of travel connected to a suspect. Police also did not say whether more than one person may have been involved.
No witness statements were made public beyond the account that a person walking a dog discovered the victim. Authorities did not disclose whether nearby residents heard gunfire or whether investigators were reviewing video from homes, businesses or traffic cameras in the area.
The identity of a person killed in Los Angeles County is generally withheld until officials confirm the identification and complete family notifications. Police had not provided further details about the victim’s age, residence or connection to Van Nuys.
As detectives worked to build a timeline, the case remained focused on identifying the dead man, locating anyone who saw or heard the shooting and determining who was responsible. No arrest had been announced as of Tuesday.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 4, 2026.