Student Slain Outside Restaurant Identified

Los Angeles police identified Aaron Bruce Nathaniel, 18, of Winnetka as the Chatsworth High School student shot to death in a Carl’s Jr. parking lot.

A 17-year-old Lancaster boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and was being held at the Sylmar Juvenile Hall.

Witnesses told police that Nathaniel and his alleged killer were members of rival gangs, but the motive for the shooting was unclear, said Det. Mike Oppelt of Devonshire Station’s homicide unit.

Police said Nathaniel and the suspect knew each other, but Oppelt said he did not know the exact nature of their relationship. Nathaniel had just transferred from Pasadena High School.

At about 4 p.m. Tuesday, the assailant walked into the Carl’s Jr. on the southwest corner of Lassen Street and De Soto Avenue where Nathaniel was sitting with a group of friends.

“There was a verbal challenge and they ended outside in the parking lot,” said Oppelt.

A witness said the pair began fighting and then the Lancaster boy drew a gun and fired about seven shots. At least four 9-millimeter bullets struck Nathaniel, police and witnesses said.