Vigil held for Luis Perez, auto shop owner shot & killed outside his business

(FOX 11) - Dozens of family members and friends came together where Luis Perez was shot and killed Monday morning.

"He was just trying to protect his business," said Perez's brother Arturo. "He paid with his life."

Los Angeles Police confirm Perez caught someone trying to spray paint the wall outside his shop around 10:30 Monday morning. As Perez went to confront the man, the suspect allegedly turned and shot Perez in the side. Within seconds, Perez was gone.

"Everybody knew him and loved him," said his nephew Jerry. "Everybody knew how much of a hard worker he was."

Perez started a tire and auto shop on the corner of 5th and Slauson. Perez's brothers worked in the industry with him, and his nephews and nieces were employees too.

"He was the oldest, so he taught all our dads," said his niece. "We all have our own business thanks to him."

LAPD confirm there were security cameras nearby. However, they ask anyone with information to please come forward.