Man shot and killed before Valley Glen apartment set on fire, police say; 2 dogs dead

VALLEY GLEN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A homicide investigation is underway after firefighters extinguished an apartment fire in Valley Glen, leading authorities to discover a man and two dogs dead inside.

Officers responded to a call of shots fired at an apartment complex in the 13800 block of Oxnard Street around 1 a.m. Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. When they arrived, the apartment was engulfed in flames but crews were able to contain it to one unit.

"It could've been really bad. It's a good thing that the fire department got here and put out this fire rather quickly, because it could've gotten really bad," said Det. Steve Castro with the LAPD.

After firefighters put out the fire, a man in his 20s was found dead with gunshot wounds. Police say someone shot and killed the man and then set the place on fire. The dogs appeared to have died from the fire, they added.

The victim's brother managed to safely escape the apartment through a window. Detectives say the people in the apartment may have known the gunman.

Authorities have not released any details on the suspect, who was last seen leaving the area on foot, but say the victim was likely targeted.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at (818) 374-1925 or (213) 972-2971.

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