“The Place Is Shady”: Four Armenian Victims Identified In Shooting At LA Restuarant Where “There’s Always People Talking But Never Anyone Eating”

Apr 4, 2010 1 Comment ›› Pat Dollard

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Authorities have identified the four men killed in a shooting at a San Fernando Valley restaurant, as the search for the gunman continues.

In a statement Sunday, Los Angeles police named those killed as: 28-year-old Harut Baburyan; 26-year-old Sarkis Karadjian; 31-year-old Vardan Tofalyan; and 25-year-old Hayk Yegnanyan. No hometowns or other information was released.

Investigators believe the victims in Saturday’s shooting at the Hot Spot Cafe in North Hollywood were targeted.

Three of the men died at the scene, while the fourth died at a hospital. Two other people were wounded and are expected to survive.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Los Angeles police were searching Sunday for at least one gunman who killed four people and wounded two others at a San Fernando Valley restaurant.

Investigators believe the victims in Saturday’s shooting at the Hot Spot Cafe in Valley Village were targeted, said Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese.

“We don’t have a crazed gunman running around North Hollywood that presents an immediate threat to public safety, to anyone in their homes or businesses in the area,” Albanese said. “However, this is also not a random act of violence, this was an intentional act.”

A gunman opened fire at a mom-and-pop restaurant in Valley Village on Saturday afternoon, killing four people and wounding at least two others, Los Angeles police said.

The Hot Spot Cafe, a Mediterranean restaurant on Riverside Drive, was packed with customers when a man walked in and opened fire around 4:40 p.m., according to police officials.

He remained at large late Saturday.

Police officials said the shootings occurred in a matter of moments.

After shots were fired, the customers ran out of the restaurant and scattered on foot and in cars, they said.

The killer was a white male in his 30s, said Los Angeles police officer Rosario Herrera.

Three people were declared dead at the scene, Herrera said. Several more victims were taken to a hospital, where one later died, she said.

Police officials investigating the incident described the scene as a “blood bath.” They are examining evidence to see whether there was an accomplice, according to officials.

Nearby residents told The Daily News the cafe often seemed strangely empty.

“The place is shady,” said Matt Edwards, who lives close by and heard the gunfire. “It opened five years ago and it’s always closed and empty.”

“There’s always people outside talking but never anyone eating,” said Kim Sutton, who lives around the corner.