A $75,000 reward is offered for information on the unsolved murder of a Monrovia boy.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, four-year-old Salvador Esparza III was shot dead on July 5, 2016 while standing on a house porch in the 300 block of Altadena.
Esparza was at the front door of the house when an unidentified shooter fired and struck him in his head, authorities said. He was found lying on a pouch with another gunshot wound, a 27-year-old man.
The boy was taken to the hospital, where he died of injury. The 27-year-old man survived. His identity has not been released.
Witnesses said the suspect chased the 27-year-old outside the house when he shot him, attacking both victims.
An argument could have arisen with others in the house before the fatal shooting, officials said. The murderer approached the victim from Olive Street, fired at least 13 shots, ran down the street and escaped in a dark car, deputies said.
Salvador Esparza is featured in a photo on display at the LA Sheriff’s press conference on August 25, 2016. He was fatally filmed in Altadena on July 5, 2016. On July 5th, authorities called for support in the shooting of four-year-old Salvador Esparza. (Credit: KTLA) Coral Salvador talks about the murder of his son at a press conference on August 25, 2016. (Credit: KTLA) Salvador Esparza is shown in the photos posted on the GoFundMe page. He was killed on July 5, 2016 and shot in Altadena.
“LASD investigators believe the suspect is a gang member and the shooting is believed to be gang-related,” authorities said. “LASD investigators believe Salvador and his family are not intended targets.”
On July 29th, Los Angeles County updated its $75,000 reward in a motion approved by manager Kathryn Burger. Remuneration has increased over the years since the first $20,000.
“This is a plea for the public,” Burger said. “Nine years ago, this innocent child’s life was stolen for meaningless violence. Someone knows what happened, and even the smallest hints can be the key to justice.
“Salvador ‘Chavita’ Esparza’s life was unnecessary shortened at just four years old,” said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo. “We must not forget this innocent child. We want to emphasize that community help is essential. The leadership of supervisors who update their rewards strengthens our shared commitment to accountability and justice.”
Esparza is survived by her parents and grandparents.
Anyone with information about this case will be asked to call LASD detective Adam Kirste or Sergeant John Arnarial at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be reported to the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stopper Hotline at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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