Homicide detectives are still gathering clues in the brazen Friday morning shooting of Alonso Andrade, a sheriff's detective said.

Alonso Andrade, of Los Angeles, was in Newhall shopping for his scrap metal business when he was gunned down by a robber on the hunt for money, said Lt. Dave Coleman of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau.

Andrade made a scrap metal sale earlier Friday morning. He planned to use the cash to buy a tool for his business, Coleman said. The thieves targeted Andrade as he was riding as a passenger in an older Ford Ranger pickup, he said.

Two male Hispanics in a dark colored sports utility vehicle pulled behind Andrade's truck. One of the assailants walked up to the driver's side of the truck, pointed a gun at Andrade and demanded money, Coleman said. A struggle ensued. The suspect fired one shot, striking Andrade in the chest, killing him.

With a limited physical description, detectives are focusing on motive, Coleman said. Detectives are trying to determine whether the suspects knew Andrade or whether they followed him from the scrap metal sale, Coleman said. He added that scrap metal dealers who are known to carry lots of cash, are not targeted more often than other victims.

Coleman also said the recent string of murders is no reason for Santa Clarita Valley residents to think crime is on the rise in the area.

Detectives request anyone with information about the shooting contact the homicide bureau at 323-890-5500.