The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has extended the $20,000 reward offered in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of the person or persons behind the fatal shooting of four-year-old Altadena resident Salvador Esparza III on the night of July 5, 2016.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger recommended the extension of the reward offer, which was set to expire on April 19. The new deadline for submitting written claims is June 18, 2020, according to a Notice of Reward issued by the Board of Supervisors.
Authorities who investigated the crime, which occurred in the 300 block of West Figueroa Drive in Altadena, believe a suspected gang member was the perpetrator who has yet to be identified.
Records of the investigation show the boy was sitting on his front porch with a family friend when a car drove up past 10 p.m., fired at least 13 rounds, and drove off, leaving two victims – Esparza and a 27-year-old man – wounded. The man survived but Esparza was subsequently pronounced dead at the Huntington Memorial Hospital with a single bullet wound to the head.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department did not get a clear description of the suspect that night. No one among the few people who were on the street and probably saw the crime has come forward to help authorities identify the suspect.
According to the Notice of Reward, anyone with information about the incident can call LASD Sgt. Domenick Recchia, at (323) 890-5500, or Crime Stoppers, at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) if the informant chooses to remain anonymous.
Claims for rewards must be in writing and should provide sufficient information on how to contact the claimant. The claim for a reward must state the information which led or will lead to the apprehension and conviction of the criminal.