Detectives Seek Witnesses in Deadly East LA Shooting

Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives are asking witnesses to come forward after a juvenile boy was shot and killed in East Los Angeles early Saturday, according to the Sheriff’s Department. Deputies responded at about 1:15 a.m. on May 16 to the area of 6th Street and Fraser Avenue on an assault with a deadly weapon call, authorities said. When deputies arrived, they found the boy suffering from a gunshot wound and he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The gunman remains at large, and investigators said the suspect fled in a dark-colored SUV. ### Where did the shooting happen? East Los Angeles was the site of the shooting, with deputies sent to 6th Street and Fraser Avenue, near James A. Garfield High School, according to the Sheriff’s Department account carried by local media. The area is in unincorporated East Los Angeles, which is served by the department’s East Los Angeles Station. (ktla.com) The East Los Angeles Station lists its coverage area as East Los Angeles and nearby communities including Commerce, Cudahy and Maywood. The station’s public contact number is separate from the homicide tip line being used in the case. ### What do detectives say happened before the suspect fled? Sheriff’s investigators said the shooting happened shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday and that the suspect left the scene before deputies arrived. (ktla.com) The department said the vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound on 6th Street. Authorities have not publicly released a suspect description beyond the vehicle information. (lasd.org) KTLA reported, citing a department news release, that detectives have not determined whether the shooting was gang-related. ABC7 also reported that investigators said the motive or any gang connection was not yet known. ### Who was the victim? ABC7 reported on Sunday that friends identified the victim by his first name, Joshua, and described him as a teenage boxing coach. (ktla.com) The station said a memorial of flowers, candles, a photograph and handwritten notes had grown in the neighborhood where he was killed. David Ventura, identified by ABC7 as a friend of the victim, said he felt “devastated” and called Joshua “a good kid” and “a great coach.” Jayden Garcia, another friend interviewed by the station, said the two had bonded over boxing and Joshua’s goal of becoming a professional coach. (ktla.com) ### What are investigators asking the public to do? (abc7.com) The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said anyone with information should contact its Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Authorities also said anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Crime Stoppers or by calling 800-222-TIPS. ABC7 reported that detectives were still seeking the suspect as of Sunday night and were continuing to ask for public help. (abc7.com) That appeal has become the central public step in the case while investigators work to identify the shooter and trace the SUV described by deputies. ### What happens next in the case? The Sheriff’s Department said the investigation is ongoing and has not announced an arrest. (ktla.com) Detectives are expected to continue collecting witness statements and reviewing any available evidence tied to the shooting near 6th Street and Fraser Avenue. As of Sunday, May 17, the public call for tips remained active through the LASD Homicide Bureau and L.A. (abc7.com) Crime Stoppers, according to the department’s statements carried by local outlets. (ktla.com)