Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Supervisors Renew $25,000 in Case of Altadena Boy Killed by Errant Bullet

CITY NEWS SERVICE

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors renewed a $25,000 reward in the case of a 4-year-old killed by an errant bullet in a 2016 gang shooting in Altadena.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger asked her colleagues to renew a $25,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the gunman who shot and killed 4-year-old Salvador Esparza on July 5, 2016.

The boy was found lying on his front porch on the 300 block of West Figueroa Drive about 10:40 that evening. He had been shot once in the head. A 27-year-old gunshot victim was also found on the porch and taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital. He survived.

Witnesses say the gunman was chasing and fired on the older man, striking both victims, before running away south on Olive Avenue. Sheriff’s investigators believe the suspect is a gang member and the shooting was gang related, and that the child was not an intended target.

The reward was set to expire May 23 and will now be available for at least the next 90 days.

Barger also recommended doubling the reward money — to a total of $20,000 — for information about Gloria Huerta, reported missing in Palmdale last summer and believed to be the victim of foul play.

Anyone with additional information about Huerta’ whereabouts or Salvador’s killing was urged to call (323) 890-5500 or Crime Stoppers, (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

A full list of rewards approved by the Board of Supervisors can be found at bos.lacounty.gov/Board-Meeting/Rewards.