Carlos Arias, a 16-year-old Latino male from Compton, California, was shot and killed on the evening of May 8, 2021, near 15120 S. Lime Ave. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner recorded that he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Reports describe the incident as a drive-by shooting; witnesses said a vehicle was seen speeding away.

The Compton Sheriff’s Department opened an investigation and interviewed witnesses, but initial leads were scarce and there were no immediate arrests or identified suspects. Investigators and community members faced obstacles, including witnesses who were reluctant to speak out because of fear of retaliation. Months after the shooting there were no significant breakthroughs and the case remained open.

If anyone has information about the drive-by shooting or remembers seeing a vehicle leaving the area that evening, please come forward to assist the investigation.