Investigation launched after 2 men killed in shooting at Hawthorne party

Authorities have launched an investigation after two men were found shot to death at a party in Hawthorne early Sunday.

It was reported at around 2:08 a.m. in the 3600 block of W. El Segundo Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Initially, Hawthorne Police Department officers were called to the scene, which was the rear alley of a home. Upon making entry to the backyard they found the two victims. 

Both of the victims, who have since been identified as 29-year-old Juan Lopez and Joe Reyes Vasquez, were both pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics. 

"A male suspect entered the rear yard of the location where a party was occurring and began shooting, striking both victims," said LASD's statement. "The male suspect fled the backyard and left the scene in an unknown direction."

LASD Homicide Bureau detectives were called to the scene to assist HPD with the ongoing investigation. 

Anyone with information was asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.