The family of 27-year-old Benjamin Ryan Castaneda, standing alongside Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office chief officer on Monday morning, seeking the public’s help in finding the person responsible for Castaneda’s murder.
Castaneda, a navy veteran and beloved brother, was shot dead on June 2 while driving near his home in West Whittiarosnietus.
Authorities believe the shooting was targeted, but no arrests have been made.
Hearn was joined by Sheriff Jason Skene and murder aide Steve DeJohn, and announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person in charge.
The compensation was approved by the Supervisory Board on July 8th.
Investigators said that at about 11:20pm on June 2, Castaneda left her apartment at the Citrus Court complex and headed north on Broadway Avenue in 2004 at Acura.
Surveillance footage shows champagne or a golden four-door sedan pulling surveillance footage obtained later by detectives along with Castaneda’s vehicle.
After exchanging simple words, someone in the suspect’s car fires a single shot into the window on Castaneda’s driver’s side.
Castaneda, injured in the top of the fuselage, managed to run a little further towards the apartment, but then hit a curb and rock near the entrance. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died of injuries.
Although no motivation was announced, he explained that the intersection was highly exchanged, making him believe that someone in the area must have seen something.
“We are urging anyone with something about Benjamin’s murder to move forward. The community is a valuable partner in solving crimes. They are street eyes and ears and need their help in solving Benjamin’s pointless murder.”
“In Los Angeles County, things become statistics, and in LA County, there are regular homicides,” said director Hearn.
“However, for the family to have the courage to be here today, it is important that the public know that Benjamin is a real person with a real family who loves him. He was the light of the life of his son, grandchildren, friends and his grandmother.
Castaneda’s mother, Annell, shed tears as she remembered her final conversation with her son. He had recently told her he was thinking about getting a calm marriage.
“That’s what the mother wants to be happy with her children,” she said. “I was taken away from it. My son was taken away from the most precious thing we have: his life.”
Castaneda went home and worked in the US Navy to work multiple jobs to support herself and his younger brothers. He was described by his loved one as a dedicated brother who loved to take his family to the film and play basketball with his friends.
“If you have the information, don’t let my son get into statistics. He’s more than that,” Annelle added.
The detective has released surveillance video showing the suspected vehicle fleeing the scene in the hopes of urging hints.
Anyone with information is advised to contact Detective Detective Gail Durham or Sergeant Frank Alvarado at LASD Murder Bureau (323) 890-5500.
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