Patients and friends mourn doctor killed in targeted attack

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. (KCAL/KCBS) – Residents of a California community are mourning the loss of a doctor and friend who was killed in what police say was a targeted attack.

Patients of Dr. Hamid Mirshojae, including Majid Lashgarnevis, pay their respects at his growing memorial in Woodland Hills.

“I'm his patient, I'm his friend. He's a very nice doctor, takes care of everything,” Lashgarnevis said. “He was like a brother. I love him.”

Mirshojae's business, Warner Plaza Medical Clinic, was closed on Monday as many of his patients learned of the tragic news.

“Very honest, nice guy, he takes very good care of the patient. And he listened to you,” said Lashgarnevis.

According to Los Angeles police, Mirshojae was on his way to his car around 5:30 p.m. on Friday when he was shot.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the 61-year-old doctor's body on the ground next to a white SUV. They said several bullet casings were also discovered nearby.

Investigators learned that the suspect ran away and has not yet been found.

Joe Pecora is program director of a treatment center above the medical clinic. He said the news was shocking.

“You don't know anyone, but someone has a business under you and something like this happens. It's shocking,” he said.

Pecora said he had met Mirshojae several times on business and that he seemed like a nice person.

“A very, very nice guy. And from everything I heard about him, he was just a really nice guy who cared about his patients,” he said.

Friends of Mirshojae said he only got married about a year ago. The couple also has a 6-month-old daughter.

Mirshojae worked as both a general practitioner and an emergency physician.

Yee Ling, who worked with Mirshojae, stopped by the memorial to lay flowers and say goodbye.

“He was probably the most humble doctor I've ever worked for. He was very relaxed, knowledgeable, sociable and always had a smile on his face,” she said.

Ling also said the sudden loss left her stunned.

“I'm literally in shock and I just don't know how to deal with it,” she said.

Investigators are still examining the crime scene, but no description or motive of the suspect has been released.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.

Copyright 2024 KCAL/KCBS via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.