SHERMAN OAKS—Seventeen year-old Jacob “Jake” Koffman, a student of William Howard Taft High School, was stabbed and killed in Sherman Oaks on February 6. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Van Nuys Homicide detectives said Sunday that they are seeking additional suspects related to the teen’s murder.

According to the statement, at around 6:40 p.m., Jacob and five males were involved in a dispute over narcotics behind an apartment building located on the 15000 block of Dickens Street.

During the course of the dispute, Jacob and another male juvenile were stabbed. They were both transported to the hospital for emergency medical treatment, but Jacob did not survive.

The murder weapon, identified as a tactical folding knife, had been recovered at the scene.

The other juvenile was soon released from the hospital and he, along with two additional males (an adult and a juvenile), were detained and brought to the Van Nuys Police Station for questioning.

Following the investigators’ questioning, both of the apprehended juveniles were booked for murder. The adult suspect, identified as Ennio Avolio, who is an 18-year-old Caucasian male, was booked for possession of Narcotics for Sale.

Authorities indicated two additional persons of interest are being sought. They are both described as male Hispanics, between 17 and 18 years of age who were last seen running northbound on the 15000 block of Dickens Street, where Jacob’s murder occurred.

Dominique Soria, a friend of Jacob’s, wrote in a Facebook post, “You always had a smile on your face and was always a joker. I still can’t believe that you are not with us anymore, but I know you are in a better place. You are missed greatly by your loving friends and family. Rest in paradise my dear friend.”

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Van Nuys Detective desk at (818) 374-0040. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipster may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.