On the evening of July 8, 1994, Elias Lopez and his friend were walking westbound on University Avenue at 38th Street. As they crossed the street, a white Ford Mustang turned onto 38th Street and stopped in the intersection in front of Lopez and his friend. The driver, a young Hispanic man, confronted Lopez, yelled a gang challenge and then fired one shot from a handgun that struck Lopez in the chest. The Mustang then sped away. Witnesses saw at least two passengers in the car, both Hispanic males, in addition to the driver. Paramedics rushed Lopez to Mercy Hospital, but he died shortly after arrival.