Two Killed in Shooting Identified; Police Still Investigating

Police are still searching for leads in , which left two young men dead and another wounded.

The victims have been reportedly identified as Junior Diaz and Alan Mateo, both 18. LAPD Det. Commanding Officer Lt. Jeff Bert told Patch that the police were not confirming that information at this time.

A source confirmed that Mateo was a senior at , where he was due to graduate Thursday.

LAUSD spokeswoman Monica Carazo confirmed that one of the victims was a Venice High senior and the other was a senior at the Venice Skills Center. The third victim, who was shot in the leg, was a sophomore at Venice High School.

"We've determined that it is very likely gang-related," Bert said. Officers are in the process of tracking down witnesses and conducting interviews. No suspects have been identified.

In addition to graduation this week, Venice High will be hosting a centennial celebration on Saturday and Sunday. Thousands of current and former students are expected to attend. Bert told Patch that both LAPD and school police would be on "high alert."

The shooting occured outside Penmar Recreation Center at around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The Mayor's Crisis Response Team will be holding debriefing and counseling sessions on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Penmar Rec Center for children and families who were at the park when the shooting occured.

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