Man Fatally Shot Outside Los Angeles Church as Police Hunt for Gunman

A Sunday night in East Hollywood turned deadly after gunfire erupted outside a church, leaving one man dead and authorities searching for answers.

Los Angeles police were called to the 4300 block of Melrose Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. Aug. 23 following reports of a shooting. According to KTLA, officers arrived to find a wounded man on the sidewalk. Paramedics attempted to respond to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead.

County authorities later identified the man as Manuel Barcelo, who was in his 40s, MyNewsLA reported.

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Police say Barcelo had recently left a nearby liquor store with another man before the violence unfolded. His companion had moved farther ahead when the sound of gunfire broke out. When he returned to check on Barcelo, he found him gravely wounded. Authorities also recovered a firearm near the victim.

The person believed responsible escaped the area along Melrose Avenue, according to investigators. Police have not publicly released a description of the suspect.

KTLA’s initial report said authorities had not determined whether gang activity played a role in the tragedy.

As investigators work to uncover exactly what happened, we can pray for Barcelo’s loved ones and a community now grappling with another act of deadly violence.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact media@.