A 53-year-old man was beaten by as many as five assailants and then stabbed to death Wednesday evening, Los Angeles Police Department officials said.
The man, who was not immediately identified, staggered into the C & C Market in the 1100 block of 6th Street about 6:30 p.m. Witnesses told detectives they saw the victim attacked and beaten by five men on the sidewalk near 7th and Ceres Streets in downtown Los Angeles, according to LAPD Lt. Jim Gavin.
The man told the clerk to call 911, then collapsed on the floor. He had been stabbed at least once in the chest. He was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital.
Detectives were continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses Wednesday night, and officials stressed that the investigation was in its very early stages with little evidence to go on.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Central Homicide Unit at (213) 972-1254 or give information anonymously to Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cellphone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org; click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.