Police Seek Clues In Murder Of Pinole Rap Artist
RICHMOND (CBS SF) - Investigators were still following leads Friday into the murder of 25-year-old Pinole resident Rene Garcia in a North Richmond park on Tuesday night.
Garcia, a local rap artist known as "Lil G", was gunned down by two people in Shields-Reid Park located at 1410 Kelsey St. shortly before 7 p.m. Monday, according to Richmond police Detective Nicole Abetkov.
Officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation around 6:45 p.m. that indicated some 20 shots had been fired in the area, police said.
Police found Garcia suffering from gunshot wounds near the park's basketball courts and emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Though no suspects have been found, Abetkov said investigators are following "some pretty solid leads."
Detectives are also investigating reports that Garcia was with other people when he was shot.
Police do not know whether the shooters knew Garcia, the detective said.
A Facebook page for "Lil G" was flooded Thursday with messages from friends and fans offering their prayers and praises for Garcia's talent.
Numerous music videos posted on YouTube feature Garcia, a former North Richmond resident, rapping about his life there.
Abetkov said she does not believe the slain rapper was involved in a gang.
Garcia is Richmond's fourth murder victim this year, and the first to be killed in North Richmond.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to call Richmond police Detective Tim Gard at (510) 965-4906.
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