South Los Angeles taco vendor shot, killed in possible robbery

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A taco vendor was shot and killed in South Los Angeles Friday night in what police believe may have been a robbery.

Alvaro Mata-Rizo, 30, of Bell Gardens, was shot near Ramirez Market at 51st Street and McKinley Avenue around 11 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives were checking nearby businesses to find surveillance video that can help the investigation.

Authorities said two men are suspected of killing Mata-Rizo. No further information was available on the suspects.

Area residents said Mata-Rizo was a married father of a 2-year-old boy and worked six days a week to support his family.

"I used to come to the store and he used to always receive people with a smile," Carlos Lopez said.

The area was shut down until 4 a.m. Saturday while police investigated the scene.