NORTH HOLLYWOOD—An 18-year-old was killed in a gang-related homicide. Authorities said it is the latest gang fatality to happen in the San Fernando Valley.

Walter Lopez was shot in the back on Wednesday at 9 p.m. near Troost Avenue and Sylvan Street. Police said it was a gang shooting, but no arrests have been made.

Early Thursday, a corner of the apartment entrance near where Lopez was killed was turned into a makeshift memorial. A picture of the slain youth was visible on the blood-stained steps and sidewalk nearby, where passersby, family and friends have placed flowers and votive candles.

Anyone with information can call the Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood division at 818-623-4016.

Gang-related violence has soared within the past 10 months, with 36 killings total. Lopez’s death is the 37^th gang-related killing in the San Fernando Valley this year, up one more death than the total last year. In some neighborhoods, gang crimes have escalated 50 percent over the last year. While gang crimes have been prevalent in areas such as Central and South Los Angeles, the Valley has had 915 gang-related crimes through September, up from 688 last year.

In the San Fernando Valley, there is an estimated 80 gangs with around 20,000 members. Just five years ago, there were 70 gangs with 15,000 members. There is an increased need for police, as reports have showed that for every 230 gang members, there is only one police officer to restrain them.

On Oct. 28, there will be a peace march to help draw attention to gang prevention efforts. Groups such as the San Fernando Valley Coalition on Gangs, Communities in Schools, The Los Angeles Police Department, and other sponsors will be there at 9 a.m. at North Hills Community Park to start the march. Following the event will be a health fair and softball tournament, ending with refreshments at Sepulveda Recreation Center.

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