A security guard at an auto wholesale business in the 5800 block of South Hoover Street near Slauson Avenue alerted the owners about a burglary in progress shortly after midnight.
When family members from that business showed up, they confronted one of the suspects as he attempted to escape over a rear fence. One of the owners, who was armed, shot the suspect in the lower torso.
"They discovered two suspects breaking into vehicles," said Det. Sal Barbera of the Los Angeles Police Department. "One of the suspects was detained inside the location by one of the family members, one of the other suspects attempted to flee and was shot by one of the owners."
Police said the The wounded suspect, a teenager, was pronounced dead after he was transported to an area hospital. The identity of the slain suspect was withheld until next of kin could be notified.
Authorities detained two suspects, Charles Netherly and Christina Sharp, both 19 years old. The tandem was booked for burglary and held on $20,000 bail.
The shop owner was interviewed by police and released.
It's was unclear if the business owner was acting in self-defense when he opened fire on the suspect. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office will determine if any files will be charged in the shooting.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact (877) LAPD-24-7.
