By Jorge Casuso

January 25, 2024 -- Santa Monica police are searching for one or more suspects in a deadly shooting in Sunset Park Thursday morning that marked the year's first homicide.

The victim -- who was shot on 29th Street and Ocean Park Boulevard shortly before 10:30 a.m. -- was taken to a local area hospital, according to police.

A 3 p.m. update posted on SMPD's X account said the victim had "succumbed to his injuries."

Police officers cordoned off the area as they investigated the crime scene, "maintaining a strong presence" throughout the afternoon and evening.

Video footage captured by KABC Thursday afternoon showed evidence markers placed next to strewn objects and shattered glass on the street by the driver's side of a black vehicle.

According to the local news station, police detectives were "examining a black Mustang, which is believed to be the victim's vehicle."

Tuesday's killing marked the first homicide in Santa Monica since a man was fatally stabbed at Santa Monica Beach on July 31, marking last year's only murder ("Man Fatally Stabbed at Santa Monica Beach," August 1, 2023).

Unlike Thursday's fatal shooting, which occurred in a relatively quiet corner of the city, last year's fatal stabbing took place near the boardwalk south of the pier and received widespread media coverage.

Anyone with information related to Thursday's fatal shooting or suspect(s) should call the SMPD Investigations Division during business hours at (310) 458-8451 or the Watch Commander 24-hours at (310) 458-8427.