Two Sought in 2018 Homicide in Van Nuys

VAN NUYS (CNS) — Police have announced a $75,000 reward for help in finding two suspects wanted in a shooting nearly a year ago in Van Nuys that left a young man dead and another seriously wounded.

The shooting occurred on Dec. 6, 2018, at about 9:40 p.m. in the 7300 block of Vista Del Monte, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Osvaldo Hernandez, 21, died at a hospital, and Matthew Sanchez, also 21, was hospitalized in serious condition, police said.

“Officers located Osvaldo Hernandez lying in the courtyard of a residential apartment complex receiving CPR from civilian good Samaritans,” police said. “Matthew Sanchez, a second victim, was also located in the courtyard by responding officers.”

Detectives determined that two suspects were involved in the crime.

The first suspect was described as an Hispanic male, 14-17 years of age, about 5-feet-4 inches to 5-feet-7 inches tall, weighing about 130 pounds. He had a youthful appearance and a “round” head with no facial hair, police said. He was last seen wearing a black beanie and a dark-colored “Pro Club” hooded sweatshirt.

The second suspect was described as a 22-year-old Hispanic man, 5-feet-9 inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He was wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt and may have had a light mustache.

The Los Angeles City Council approved a reward of $75,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects involved in the crime. Anyone with information in the case was urged to call homicide detectives at 818-374-1936; 877-LAPD-247; or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.