But so far, police have not been able to contain a gang war that has gripped certain areas of the city. The problem for law enforcement is that there is splintering within the gangs, and some are pushing into new areas - and police, it seems, have not been able to keep up.
It's relevant because as Hilton's cousin pointed out - he was killed a short distance from where Edwin "Drive" Flowers was shot in the yea don Tuesday night. Today precinct 2 police told the media that they think Hilton was the target - and that the Tuesday and Wednesday night shootings are related.
ASP Calbert Flowers, Ag. OC, Precinct 2
"Our investigations so far is leading that the gunman was indeed targeting Mr. Hilton. The shooting where Edwin Flowers got shot and where Hilton got shot is very close proximity to each other. We are looking at that angle to see if indeed they are related."
Jules Vasquez
"It's a concern that something like this happens right when you all are about. It's like outlaw activity right in the presence of the police."
ASP Calbert Flowers
"Whenever a shooting happens it is a concern for us as law enforcement. Like you rightfully said police officers were close by in that area. So the respond was very fast, police officers were on the scene. However the shooter still manages to get away."
Some reports say the shooter got away on bicycle - while others say he was in a car, a car seen at another murder.
Police have picked up and detained an individual, but he is not a prime suspect.
While Hilton was killed, another bystander was shot in the legs.
