One Killed in Alley Shooting: Cops

The fatal shooting happened just before 2 a.m. in the Valencia Park area

By Monica Garske

| Sunday, Aug 5, 2012 | Updated 11:44 AM PDT

Police are investigating a fatal shooting that left one victim dead in Valencia Park early Sunday morning.

According to authorities, reports of multiple gunshots were heard just before 2 a.m. in the 5400 block of Imperial Avenue.

When police arrived at the scene, they discovered a male victim inside a first-floor apartment. Paramedics attempted to revive the victim but he died at the scene around 2:15 a.m., police said.

Investigators said they believe the victim and a friend were together in an alley on Imperial Avenue when a suspect or suspects fired at them from an unknown direction. The victim ran inside a friend’s apartment where he collapsed and died a short time later.

Detectives said there are no suspect descriptions at this time. The Homicide Unit is investigating.

On Sunday the medical examiner identified the shooting victim as 19-year-old San Diego resident Mario Bernal.

The motive for the deadly shooting remains unknown.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.