Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has increased the prize to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in the 2016 murder of a 4-year-old child.
Salvador “Chavita” Esparza was killed in a gang shooting on July 5, 2016, and officials are still seeking the culprit who shot the 4-year-old in the doorway of a home on the 300 block of Figueroa Drive in Altadena, California, nearly six years ago. A male victim was also shot and survived his injuries.
“Salvador was standing at the front entryway of the house when an unknown individual approached and fired several rounds into the porch area, wounding Salvador and the male adult. The gunman fled the scene in a dark-colored car that was parked nearby “During a press conference on Wednesday, Lieutenant Michael Gomez stated.
Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department think there are witnesses in the area who may have seen the culprit or know who he is, according to Gomez.
During the press conference, Salvador’s mother, Coral Esparaza, sobbed as she recounted her son’s death.
“My son’s situation has still not been resolved after six years. His assassin is still at large. All I desire is… Please speak up if you have any information. He was still a youngster. He was my son. He’s only four years old. “My baby would have been ten years old,” she stated, adding that “those who are covering” for the suspect “have no remorse.”
At Wednesday’s news conference, Helen Chavez, communications director for Barger’s office, delivered a message on behalf of the county supervisor.
“We are deeply sad for Salvador’s mother, Coral, as well as his grandparents and relatives. There are no words that can console you. The vacuum in your hearts and lives that has been filled can never be replaced. He was taken much too young, robbed of his potential, and removed from your life. While your loss will last a lifetime, there is one more piece to the puzzle “She stated.
According to Chavez, the suspect is “still at large” and has not “faced the repercussions” of Salvador’s death.
