Woman shot, killed in Hollywood with no apparent motive; search underway for gunman

LOS ANGELES -- A woman walking with her boyfriend in Hollywood was shot and killed, and police are looking for the gunman.

The shooting was reported shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday. Police said the victim, identified as Carrie Jean Melvin, 30, of Hollywood was found on Sunset Boulevard and McCadden Place near Hollywood High School.

According to investigators, the suspect approached the woman from behind and shot her. The woman's boyfriend, who was with her at the time, was not shot. Police said Melvin lived nearby and the two were walking to get something to eat.

Melvin was pronounced dead at the scene. Her boyfriend was not injured. His identity has not been released.

Authorities said there is no known motive at this time.

"We've interviewed the boyfriend, there's no indication that they had any idea there were enemies, that she would be targeted, so at this point we just don't know," said Detective John Skaggs.

Witnesses said the suspect ran to a car, described as a black four-door vehicle, and drove off.

Police described the suspect as a black male wearing dark clothing and a hoodie. Authorities said they are planning on looking at surveillance footage from nearby businesses to assist in their investigation.

Skaggs had a message for the suspect.

"We are going to pursue you. We're going to investigate this case with everything that we have," Skaggs said.

Area resident Nikkolene Callis said she heard what sounded like a shotgun blast, and it was so loud that car alarms were set off.

"And then, looked out and saw all the police cars coming and a body laying on the ground which was clearly the victim," Callis said.

If you have any information about this crime, you're urged to contact homicide detectives at (213) 382-9470 or (877) LAPD-247.