Murder Victim Identified As MTV Music Coordinator, 30

LOS ANGELES (CBS)  — A gunshot victim found by a dog walker on a mid-Wilshire-area sidewalk was a 30-year-old music coordinator who worked for MTV, authorities said Monday.

The body of Gabriel Aron Benmeir was discovered about 6:30 a.m. Sunday on Packard Street between Stanley and Spaulding avenues, said Lt. Joe Bale of the coroner's office. He had been shot in the head.

Residents told police they heard what may have been gunshots about 1 that morning.

Benmeir, who was discovered face-down in a pool of blood, may have been accosted while walking from his car to his house, said police Sgt. Renee McAlonis.

"That he had just parked his car and was walking home is one possibility we are looking at," the sergeant said.

MTV issued a statement expressing shock and sadness at Benmeir's death and calling him "a valued member of the MTV family and a beloved and dedicated colleague and friend."

"Our hearts go out to his family," the statement said.

Police have no suspects in the case. Anyone with information about the slaying was urged to call the LAPD's Wilshire Division at (213) 473-0475. All tips can be made anonymously.

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