BRIEFLY.

Ex-brother-in-law sought in slaying

PANORAMA CITY -- A man was shot to death Saturday in Panorama City, and authorities sought his former brother-in-law in connection with the shooting, a Los Angeles police officer said.

The shooting happened about 4 p.m. in the 9500 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, said Los Angeles police Officer Mike Lopez of the Media Relations Section.

The victim was described as a male Hispanic, 20 to 30 years old, Lopez said. A perimeter was set up at the shooting scene as police searched for the suspect, he said.

-- City News Service

Crash into tree kills Simi man

SIMI VALLEY -- A motorist died after the car he was driving veered off Tapo Canyon Road and hit a tree early Saturday, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

Gary Groat, 58, of Simi Valley was driving his 2007 Ford Mustang south on Tapo Canyon Road shortly after 7 a.m. when it veered to the side and slammed into the tree, officials said. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene at 7:27 a.m.

-- Daily News

Is slur vandalism or a hate crime?

SANTA CLARITA -- A racial slur was spray-painted on the garage door of a Canyon Country apartment complex Friday night, and the vandalism may be classified as a hate crime, authorities said Saturday.

Detectives were investigating the incident, which occurred about 8:10 p.m. at the River Ranch Apartments. The tenant whose garage was defaced is Hispanic and believes the slur may have been aimed at his neighbors, who are black, said Sgt. Kevin Blake.

Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff's Department at [phone].

-- Daily News