Man and Woman Shot to Death Near Encino; Shooter at Large

LOS ANGELES, CA - A man and woman in their 20s were fatally shot Monday in her Winnetka area home, and the suspect -- believed to be someone who knew at least one of the victims -- was at large, a police captain said.

Officers were dispatched about 11 a.m. to the 7800 block of Oso Avenue when neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"We understand from family that the dead woman lived at the home, and the man was a recent acquaintance," said Capt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the LAPD's Topanga Station. "Preliminary information would lead us to believe the shooter knew one or both victims."

Vernon said earlier in the day that the killings appeared "to be domestic related."

Witnesses saw a man running north from the house, police said. He was described as Hispanic, of medium height with a thin build and wearing a white hoodie, green shirt and shorts.

Authorities withheld the names of the victims, who were pronounced dead at the scene, pending positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.

"In cases like these, information and tips from friends and family often provide the clues that solve the case," Vernon said, adding that detectives will also canvass the area for security cameras.

Anyone with information that could help investigators was urged to call Valley Bureau Homicide Unit Detective David Peteque at (818) 374-1934.

After-hours and weekend calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 and anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

City News Service contributed to this report; Photo: Shutterstock