‘So much shock’: LA doctor to the stars fatally shot outside his office, killer at large
Authorities are looking into the case of a celebrated doctor from Los Angeles who was shot dead outside the medical center where he practiced in Southern California, as confirmed by city officials, family, and friends.
Although the Los Angeles Police Department had not disclosed the victim’s name as of Tuesday, those close to him identified him as Dr. Hamid Mirshojae.
The 61-year-old, according to police, was pronounced dead at the scene on Friday in Woodland Hills, near his practice at the Warner Plaza Urgent Center.
Officers arrived around 6:12 p.m. and discovered the victim with a gunshot wound next to his car. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed he had passed away at the scene.
Authorities noted they had no information yet on the motive for the shooting or a description of the suspect.
A representative from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner stated that the victim had yet to be officially identified.
Police: Killer remains unidentified as of Tuesday
As of Tuesday, the perpetrator had not been identified, and the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the assailant was still at large, according to spokesperson Drake Madison.
The investigation is still open and actively being pursued, Madison noted.
“We are all in a deep state of shock,” Zarin shared on Facebook. “They took Hamid from us right in front of his workplace. He dedicated his life to helping others, attending to tens of thousands of patients over the years.”
Zarin also mentioned that a memorial service would be held on Sunday afternoon.
Who was Dr. Hamid Mirshojae?
Mirshojae had more than 20 years of expertise in urgent and emergency care, alongside over a decade of experience in addiction medicine, as stated in his online biography on Warner Plaza Urgent Center’s website.
His list of patients included celebrities, athletes, and individuals from all walks of life, according to the bio.
“I just saw him two days ago,” said Dr. Azin Kolahi, a dentist from Woodland Hills, in an interview with KABC-TV. “He was always smiling, so kind and sweet.”
“He’s been my doctor for 15 years,” shared Gloria Sera with KTLA-TV, recalling their last conversation when he mentioned he had recently remarried.
Friends stated that the victim’s wife and newborn were out of the country at the time of the incident.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the case to contact LAPD homicide detectives at 818-374-9550.