Fatally Wounded Teenager Gives Birth

A 16-year-old girl, having carried her unborn child to within two weeks of its due date, was shot at close range Monday evening and died shortly thereafter.

But her baby was born alive; he was in critical condition Tuesday at County-USC Medical Center.

Det. Fred Faustino, in charge of the homicide unit at the LAPD’s Rampart Division, declined to name the teenager pending notification of her family.

Police said she and a 27-year-old male companion were standing in front of an apartment building in the 2700 block of Hyans Street Monday evening when they were approached by a 25- to 27-year-old Latino man, about 5-foot-7 and weighing 140 pounds, who had a shaved head.

After asking where they were from, the man shot the two and fled. Faustino said the shooting appeared to be gang-related.

Witnesses told police the man drove away in a gray, four-door vehicle, possibly a Ford Taurus or a Toyota.

The teenager was driven to the hospital, where she died shortly after her son was born. Her male companion was treated and released. Their assailant was still at large Tuesday.