On Saturday, July 7, 2007, at 1:40 A.M., officers from the Santa Monica Police Department responded to the 2800 block of Nielson  Way (Lot 9) regarding a call of shots fired. When officers arrived on scene, witnesses told them that two groups of 3 or 4 male Hispanics had been involved in an argument and had exchanged gang signs.

After the argument, one of the groups left in a silver or blue four door vehicle (no further description) northbound on Nielson Way. As the vehicle drove past the group they had been arguing with, several gun shots were fired from a small caliber handgun, striking the victim in the upper torso as he was walking with his friends. The victim was driven to UCLA Medical Center by his friends, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The victim has been identified as David Silva, male, Hispanic, 21 years old of Culver City.

The suspects in this incident are described as 3 or 4 male Hispanics.

Detectives are still trying to identify the involved gangs and the motive.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8427 (24 hours) or Detectives at (310) 458-8451 (M - F 8 AM - 5 PM). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the WeTip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (72463).