Suspect Sought In Unsettling West Hills Double Homicide

LOS ANGELES, CA — A North Hollywood resident was identified Friday as a suspect in the fatal shootings of two men in a West Hills park, with police saying the killing was the result of an argument among acquaintances.

Ryan Vassallo Conrad, 31, is wanted in connection with the shooting that occurred about 8:45 p.m. Wednesday on a baseball field at Shadow Ranch Park in the 22600 block of Vanowen Street, police said.

"He's had multiple jobs, in and out of jobs through his young life so far," Los Angeles Police Department Detective Dave Peteque told reporters at an afternoon news conference. "Nothing stable, no career, and right now we're still building information on him."

Peteque said Conrad is believed to still be in the area, noting that he has family in Southern California. The detective also said investigators are speaking to a fourth man who witnessed the shooting.

"This is not a gang-related shooting and this is not a random shooting," Peteque said. "All four individuals -- there is one witness that we're speaking with -- and all four are acquaintances."

Police said an argument escalated into gunfire, although no details have been released about the nature of the dispute.

A 27-year-old man from the San Fernando Valley died at the scene of the shooting. His name has not been released. Cesar Ascencio, 42, also of the San Fernando Valley, underwent surgery at a hospital, where he died. Police said he was able to speak to detectives and identify the shooter.

Police released photos of Conrad in hopes of generating tips from the public.

Neighbors unnerved by the killings told reporters that they have noticed gang and drug activity at the rear of the park, which is across from a private high school.

Anyone with information was asked to call police at 877-LAPD-247.

City News Service